THE RAJAH; 

A COMEDY, 

"■/ 

WILLIAM YOUNG. 



/hfc 23 1882, 

This work is printed solely for the author's private use, under the pro- 
tection of the judicial decisions Avhich establish that such printing does 
not constitute publication. Any person producing it, or granting the use 
of theatre, opera-house, hall or other place of amusement, for its produc- 
tion without the sanction of the author, will be held for damages. And 
any infringement upon, title, dialogue, characterization, situations, or 
sequence of incidents, will be prosecuted to the extent of the law. 



Copyright, 18S2, by William Young. All rights reserved. 



SCENE PLOT. 

^CT 1.— Exterior and grounds of Wyncot Lodge — an English country 

house. 
Act 2. — Drawing-room — Wyncot Lodge. 
Act 3. — 4 glade, in private park, on the Wyncot estate. 
Act 4. — Diawing-room — Wyncot Lodge. 



TIME— The Pbesbnt Day. 



CHARACTERS. 

Harold Wyncot — The Rajah. 

.Joseph Jekyll — A self-made attorney, agent of the Wyncot Estate. 

Mr. Job— Jekyll's assistant, and echo. 

Richard .Jocelyn — Jekyll's clerk, and would-be son-in-law. 

Cragin — Leader of "strikers." 

Buttons — A youthful servant. 

James — A footman. 

Gladys Wyncot — Adopted daughter of the formei' proprietor of Wyncot 

Lodge, and ward of the Rajah. 
Emilia Jekyll — Gla/dys' most intimate friend. 
Mrs. Pringle — Housekeeper at Wyncot Lodge — mother and defender of 

Buttons. 



THE RAJAH 



ACT 1. 

Scene. — Exterior of Wyncot Lodge. Facade of elegant country house, r. to c, 

in line with Id gr. Gateway, with practicable gates, l. c, oblique, atSdgr. 

Oate-keeper^s lodge, L. F. Stone wall, at back, Sd gr. Foliage on flat. 

House door approached by practicable steps, l. of steps a rustic settee, and 

rustic chairs. Near tettee, a rustic stand. 

Enter through gates, at curtain, Jekyll and Job. Jekyll enters first. 

Jektll. Walk in Mr Job. Walk in sir. No one at 'ome. I assume 
the respo sibility. Well, sir, 'ere we are, sir, 'ere we are. 

Enter Buttons, from house. He is eating, and conceals behind him a pasty. 

Ah! and 'ere you are. Well, sir, did you 'ear the gate bell, sir? 

Buttons. Yes sir. 

Jekyll. You did sir? And why didn't ycu hanswer it? Where's your 
mistress? 

Buttons. In the 'ouse. 

Jekyll. In the 'ouse. And the party that was expected? 'As 'e 
arrived? 

Buttons. No, sir. 

Jekyll. 'E 'asn't. We are hearly, Mr. Job. Very good, sir. [To But- 
eons.) And now, sir, come 'ere, sir. Do you know me? 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Jekyll. You do. And why don't you speak hup? What 'ave you got 
in your mouth? 

Buttons. Nothin', sir. 

Jekyll. "Nothin'!" Face about, you young vagabond. [Turns But- 
tons around, and takes the pasty.) Why its a pie — a pie, Mr. Job. 

Job. 'Tis so, sir. 

Jekyll. A 'am pie. Eating! And at this hour o' the morning? 
What's your idea for it? 

Buttons. I likes to eat. 



Jbkyll. He likes to eat. Hobserve Mr. Job, the improvidence of the 
lower classes. 'Ere we 'ave a lesson in political heconomy. Why are the 
poor halways poor? They likes to eat. [To Buttons.) Come 'ere sir. 
And now young man, do you know, sir — [takes hhn by the ear), Stand up sir. 
Do you know, sir, its my opinion that this is a stolen harticle. 

Buttons. S'elp me! 

Jbkyll. Yes it is. That's what it is sir. And do you go in, and say to 
your mistress, that Mr. Jekyll is 'ere — do you 'ear sir? 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Jekyll. Mr. Jekyll, hand Mr. Job. That they 'ave come on business to 
meet Mr. Wyncot, but that owing to the 'eight of the thermometer, they 
prefer to wait in the hopen air. Do you 'ear, sir? 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Jekyll. Very {i;ood, sir. And you may hadd that they advise 'er to 
give you a jolly good birching and 'ereaftcr to 'ang the key of the pantry 
very 'igh. Well, sir. Well, sir, do you 'ear, sir? 

Buttons. Yessir 

Jekyll. [Releasing him and returning pasty.) Get hout. 
Exit Buttons into house. 

Jekyll. Weil, sir! Well sir! Sit down Mr. Job. Sit down, sir. [They 
seat themselves, ) I must say, I'm fairly blowed. Flesh is grass, Mr. Job. 
Flesh is grass. 

Job. 'Tis so, sir. 

Jekyll. Honly to reflect that 'ere bnt three short months ago — ere we 
sat with 'im that was, but is no more. Gone, Mr. Job! Vanished, like a 
hexalation of the morning. 

Job. 'Tis very true, sir. 

Jekyll. A good man, Mr. Job. 

Job. a good man, sir. 

Jekyll. But hover-rated. 

Job. Ah, sir. — 

Jekyll. Hover-rated — though I grieve to to say it. Now if, Mr. Job 
— observe me — if, which is not the case, by 'is hown oxertion, 'e 
'ad risen to such heminence — as others Mr. Job, 'ave risen 
— 1 n'-niion no names — though I per'aps might — and if 
— which is likewise not the case — he 'ad been self-made, sir, Mr. Job, and 
what is more, self-heducated — I make no comparisons — though I per'aps 
might. I myself 'ave 'ammered on the hanvil. But what does it signify 

Job. As anyone might know, sir. 

Jekyll. Hexcuse cce, sir? 

Job. And much it does you credit. 

Jbkyll. Ha, sir! Thankee sir. But to resume — speaking of the deceas- 
ed. What are the facts. He in'erits and that without visible heffort, the 
most hextensive private mining property in Hengland. He becomes the 
hemployer of 'undreds of men, and scores of 'orses — not to mention 'is. 
sails on the water, and 'is vans on the rails. And yet, at the most critical 
period of 'is 'ole existence. What does he do? What does he do, sir? He 
dies. 

Job. Why that he does, sir. 



Jekyll. He dies. And mark what follows. Lacking a son, he selects 
sir, as 'is heir, he selects, Mr. Job, from among 'is forty nevews the honly 
one whom he 'as never seen, and of whom he 'a3 'card but little — and that 
little bad. Now could he 'ave done worse? 

Job. 'Tis not to be imagined, sir. 

Jekyll. Hexcuse me, Mr. Job, he could. He could 'ave done worse — 
and he Mid. For mark me, sir, he likewise leaves a daughter. A daughter, 
as I say — though honly by hadoption. And 'andsomely too, 'e portions 
'er off. But when he looks about 'im, for a guardian to protect 'er in- 
terests, where does 'e fix 'is eye? Hagain upon the nevew! 

Job. [Dolefully.) Ah, sir"! 

Jekyll. The hidentical nevew, as aforesaid. He fixes 'is eye upon 
'im, and he entrusts 'im, sir — 'im — a cavalry hoflBcer, who 'as spent 'is life 
in the henervating atmosphere of Hindia — hunmarried too, and from hall 
accounts 'ighly immoral and otherwise hineligible — he entrusts 'im, sir, 
with the care and the heducation and the bringing up of a hinnocent and 
blooming girl of heighteen summers! {Rising.) Hand yet Mr. Job, hand 
yet, we speak of the deceased as a hable man! 

Job. Aye, that he was, sir. 

Jekyll. "That he was, sir! " As 'ow, sir? Hexplain yourself. If you 
'appen to know. 

Job. Well, air — I'm sure, sir — 'twas ,«imply in my mind to say, sir — 

Jekyll. Speak hout, sir. 

Job. 'Twas sin ply in my mind to say. sir, that at least he knew your 
worth. 

Jekyll. Ha, sir! Possibly! Per'aps! 

Job. For surely, sir, 'tis not to be forgotten. — 

Jekyll. Well, sii? 

Job. That he left you as the hagent in charge. 

Jekyll. {Sloftening — sits again — grasps Job's hand.,) Thankee, Mr. 
Job. And you Mr. Job, as my hassistant. 

Job. Thankee, Mr. Jekyll. Thankee, sir. 

Jekyll. And 'eavy will our burden be. Mark my hobservation — from 
'im that is to come, we may hexpect neither hald nor hannoyance. Hun- 
aided must we carry on the enterprise, and bear the 'eat of the day. I 
'ave prepared 'ere, Mr. Job a short heffusion, so to speak — {takes paper from 
his pocket) — a brief haddress of welcome, in which you will find my policy 
houtlined. You will hobserve, sir, that I 'ave seen fit to begin with a 'igh 
'and — to impress him, as it were, from the outset with the idea that 'e does 
not hexist. But you shall 'ear, sir — jou shaliyear, [reads) "Honored sir." 
Enter from house, Mrs. Pringle, followed by Buttons, who snivels and draws his 
sleeve aorcss his eyes. 

Mks. p. Which I 'opes, sir, that I speaks to Mr. Jekyll — 

Jekyll. [Looking up.) Ma'am — 

Mrs. p. And a man of station, and a keeper and hattorney of the 
peace, as 'els always named — though by some not hover-considered. And 
likewise to Mr. Job. for long years a church-warden in this westry, and 
ji kindly man as well, I know him — and his sister, which well I remenber 



— being bedfast of a 'urtin the groin from Hapril till Christmas time, and 
'ad never a 'elper but those two 'ands. 

{Buttons, who has the pasty in his pocket, pats it complaceutly, and at times 
draws it partly forth into sight.) 

Jekti,l. Woman, don't hinterrupt. {Reads.) "Honored sir," — 

Mrs. p. But of all the tales, as I must say, which I 'ave this day 'eard — 
for two of such like and that helderly — to combine against a liinfant, and 
Mm being weakly, and stunte'l in his growth, by reason of a lack of hap- 
petite — and that sweet-tempered, which I'm sure — 

Jektll. {Rising.) Blow the hinfant. What does the hinfuriated 
female want? Come hon Mr. Job. 

Attempts to lead Job off, r. f. 

Mrs. P. And that sweet-tempered — which I'm sure, and lacking the 
hinstinct to defend hisi^elf, being 'armless as a hangel, and much more, 
and likewise a 'alf horphan, and 'ow, sir, you could lift a 'and to nag 
"im, and worrit, and depress 'im. 

Jekyll. Woman, observe me; look me in the heye. If you hallude to 
the fact that I took young 'opeful by the ear, I'll hexplam Ma'am; and 
much good may it do you. I detected 'im. Ma'am in the haci o.f eating a 
pasty — a pasty Ma'am, which he 'ad evidently filched. — 

Mrs P. "Filches I," sir? 
♦ Jektll. Hexactly so, and I'm blessed if I 'ad it to do again, if I didn't 
wring 'is neck. 

Mbs. p. Filched, sir, did I 'ear you say? 

Jekyll. Bless my 'eart! 

Mks. p. Buttons — haccused o' filchin — and that before 'is wery two 
eyes! Oh Lor! Buttons! {Opening her arms.) 

Buttons. {Rushing into her embrace.) Mama! 

Enter from the house, Gladys. 

Jekyll Ha! Good morning, Miss. Your servant, Miss. 

Glayds. Mr. Jeky!l — ^Mr. Job. Mrs. Pringle, the breakfast room must 
be put in order immediately. 

Jekyll. Thank 'eaven! 

Gladys. You know, of course, that Mr. Wyncot has not yet arrived 

{Buttons retreating up T,. draws the pasty from his pocket,and smells at it cahtious- 
ly, picking out a morsel at intervals. ) 

Jekyll. Ah, so we 'ave 'eard Miss. 

Gladys. But we expect him at any moment." You will perhaps walk 
into the house. 

Jekyll. Ah, thankee Miss, but I think we shall prefer the horangery. 
We 'ave a few notes to make and the weather being so hoppressive. — 

Gladys Oh, certainly, as you like. 

Jekyll. Our cjmpliments Miss, and we shall be on 'and, when needed. 
Come Mr. Job, sir — come, sir. Truly a 'appy hescape. 
Exit Jekyll and Job. E. to f. 



GijAdys. And now Mrs. Pringle, please don't answer, but go at once. 
Tell the cook to prepare nothing till he comes, and if you can think of any- 
thing that he is likely to fancy. 

Mrs. p. Which I'm sure Miss, being from Hindia, which they are said 
to be wery fond o' peppers. 

Gladys. Oh yes, I think you may put on the peppers. That will do. 

Mrs. p. "^ Which it shall, Miss, {Turning to go she faces Buttons^ who is 
picking at his pie.) Buttons! [With a quick movement, he puts the pie behind 
him, and leans toward her,) Bless the child. [Taking him by the hand she 
leads him into the house, the pie still held behind him, being visible as he goes.) 

Enter through gate, Emilia. 

Emilia. Gladys! 

Gladys. Emilia! {They embrace.) Really I thought you were never 
ooming. 

Emilia. And I thought I should never get here. But you have seen 
him? 

Gladys. No. 

Emilia. Not yet? 

Gladys. I was up at four — (fmpressively — seating herself. Emilia sits be- 
side her.) The train was due at six. And it is now ten. 

Emilia. Oh, don't you almost hope that there has licen a railway acci- 
dent? 

Gladys. Well, I almost do. 

Emilia And I should, outright. Do you know I think it is just simply 
awful — that you should be compelled to live here, with such a man! And a 
total strangerl 

Gladys. Don't let us speak of him. 

Emilia. Then, too, if he were only older. 

Gladys. Well, he is not so very young — or so they say. 

Emilia. Every man is young, Gladys, till he has been married — or 
thinks so. And we know that he is a brute. Or why shouldn't he have 
come sooner? He was only in India. Yel here it is, three months, since 
his uncle died. And has he shown his face? 

Gladys. But you know he was very far inland — at Jemla — or some- 
where; aud perhaps theyhavn't the conveyances. 

Emilia. Don't tiy to excuse him Gladys. And of course he has all 
sorts of horrid habits. He smokes certainly — and drinks — that we have 
been told. 

Gladys. [With shudder ) Oh! — 

Emilia. And he will watch you like a hawk — that you may depend on. 

Gladys. Do you believe it, Emilia? 

Emilia. Whenever you go anywhere, you will have to ask permission. 
.And if you buy so much as a corset-lacing, he will expect to know the 
price. 

Gladys. ( Horrified.) Emilia! 

Emilia. Then he will probably want you to sing to him, and play for 
him, and mix his toddy. — 

Gladys. Oh, I never will. — 



8 

Emilia. You don't know, Gladys — and perhaps to fetch his dressing- 
gown and slippers, and button his boots. 

Gladys. (Rising.) Emilia if you say another word I shall think that 
you have come just ti-> make me more miserable. As though I were not 
already miserable enough! [Sobbing. Falls again on Emilia'a shoulder.) 

Emilia. Oh, Gladys! [Embracing her.) Do you know? I have an idea, 
you shall come and live with us. 

Gladts. [Looking up.) With you? 

Emilia. Yes. With Richard and me — when we are married, of course. 

Gladys. Oh! 

Emilia. Well, you needn't say it in such a tone. I'm sure it is not 
among the impossibilities. Richard and Papa are getting on very well to- 
gether. Richard does all the inside work — that is, the office work — and 
Papa, the outside work. 

Gladys. Ah! the talking. 

Emilia. Yes. It's something like that. And Richard says that as soon 
as he has made himself indispensable, he is going to demand a partnership. 
And then — Oh, dear. 

Gladys. Emilia, you are not happy. 

Emilia. No, I'm not. Papa has such a way about him. And Richard — 
though he is afraid of nothing else — yet when he comes face to face with 
Papa, it does seem — 

Gladys. Yes, I've noticed. 

Emilia It does seem as though there is a weakness in his legs. And 
his language, what is usually so beautiful, tangles up that dreadfully — Oh! 
Enter, rapidly, Richard Jocelyn, through gate. The girls spring to their feet. 
Richard pauses inside the gate and strikes an attitude. 

Gladys. Emilia, you expected him. 

Emilia. Gladys, I'm surprised that you can think so. 

Richard. Emilia. 

Emilia. Richard! [She runs into his arms.) 

Richard. [Embracing her.) Ah! — You wont mind it. Miss Wyncot? 

Gladys. Oh dear, no. But I should have told you, Emilia — your Papa 
is here. 

Emilia. Papa! 

Richard. [Instantly releasing herewith tragic const ervation and despair.) 

" T'was ever thus! " "Papa! " 

Gladys. He is in the orangery with Mr. Job. But you can keep a 
lookout, you know. [Exit into house.) 

Richard. Ah! thank you. The orangery! Is the orangery visiole from 
this spot? [Looking.) It is not. It is then to be inferred, that this spot is 
not visible from the orangery. Emilia — once more!. [They embrace.) 

Emilia. Richard! 

Richard. I saw you crossing the paddock, Emilia, and I followed. I 
fancied, Emilia, I fondly fancied, that for one brief moment, I might enjoy 
the blissful opportunity of meeting you, at a convenient and respectful dis. 



tance from the exceedingly iiuraeroua in<lividual whom you call Papa. But 
'twas not to be. 

Emilia. Richard. 

Richard. It is not simply that he is numerous, Emilia. He casts a 
shadow, as it were. Even here, I am sensible of a diminution in the heat 
of the sunshine. They call it a warm day, Emilia — and so I thought it. 
But I I.egin to find it cool. Brrr! 

Emilia. Richard, you are afraid of Papa. % 

Richard. Preposterous, Emilia! 

Emilia. You are. And what is worse, you let him know it. Now that 
is not the way to get along with Papa. Papa is a very g' od man — at heart. 
But he wants to l-e bullied. 

Richard. Ah! He wants it. But does he wish it, Emilia? For there- 
in lies a distinction — a distinction, my Emilia, which is also a difference. 

Emilia. And how then, do you ever propose to ask him? 

Richard. How indeed? Kniilia, it is a question — a question which I 
have ponderel long and painfully. At times I have thought that it might 
be best to address him a letter — from a locality neither too near, nor yet 
too far removed — say, China. 

Emilia. Richard — 

Richard. And then again I have thought that the next county might 
answer. 

Emilia. Richard listen to me. This must cease! 

Richard. I fear it, Emilia. 

Emilia. Hereafter, you will assert your rights, and treat Papa as he 
deserves. 

Richard. Emilia, you would not have me strike him? 

Emilia. Strike him! Not for the world. 

Richard. Thank you. For your sake, I will not. 

Emilia. But when he speaks to you, you will answer him — respectfully 
— but firmly. 

Richard. You nd vise it, Emilia? 

Emilia. You will give him to understand that you are not to be put 
down. — 

Richard. Ah! 

Emilia. Not to be put down. And though at first he may not seem to 
like it— 

Richard. No— I fancy. 

Emilia. And may even give you some little annoyance. — 

Richard. It is not improbable. 

Emilia. My word for it, he will soon become accustomed tr» the change, 
and admire you all the more. 

Richard. But /, Emilia — do you think that / shall become accustomed 
— no matter. The advice is apropos. 

Emilia. And you will adopt it? 

Richard. {Rising.) I will. From this day forth — from this hour forth, 
it shall regulate my conduct. It chimes, Emilia, with a sentiment which I 



10 

have long smothered— a desire which I have long entertained. And now, 
that yoH become answerable for the consequences. — 

EMriiiA. But you will do nothing rash? — 

Richard. Emilia, is not your image always with me? It shall plead for 
him Emilia. 

While Richard speaks, enter, b.. v. Jekyll and Job. 

Even in my wildest moments — [Stops, observing Jekyll, who is glaring at 
him. R. F. 

Emilia. Richard! 

Richard. Horror! Misery! Ruin! 

Emilia. {In a whisper of consternation.) Papa! 

Jekyll. Well, sir! Well, sir! Well, sir! Can I believe my heyes? 

Emilia. {Aside lo Richard.) Say something. Say something — but be 
firm. 

Richard. Oh! certainly. 

Jekyll, Hit was my himpression, sir, that I left you in charge of the 
h office. 

Emilia. Why so you did, Papa, {Aside to Richard.) Respectful, Rich- 
ard, but firm — Why so you did Papa, but somethipg has happened. What 
it is, Mr. Jocelyn will tell you. Bui it must be something important for he 
has been looking for you everywhere. 

Richard. Emilia! 

Jekyll. Oh! he 'as, 'as he? 

Emilia. Yes and I have come to spend the day with Gladys, and so we 
met — and — that is all. (Kissing Jekyll.) Good-bye! {Runs into the house.) 

Richard "Alone! Alone!" — 

Jekyll. {Reyar ding him fixedly over his spectacles.) Umph! Well, sir? 

Richard. "Alone on a wide, wide sea! " Ha — Mr, Jekyll. — 

Jekyll. Hat your service. Well, sir. 

RiCHARi . The fact is— 

Jekyll. Ha, the fact is — {advancing.) Well, sir. The fact is as I 
h understand, something 'as 'appened. 

Richard. Very true, sir. 

Jekyll. Well, sir ? 

Richard. Or rather — 

Jekyll, 'Ow, sir? Well sii ? 

RiCHABD. Or rather — if you will permit the correction in the pleadings, 
the case being yet in its informal stage — something is perhaps about to 
happen. 

Jekyll. Ha! as I imagine. Well, sir ? 

Richard I have now been in your employ, Mr. Jekyll — 

Jekyll. Why so you 'ave sir — and still are. 

Richard. Presumably. We will waive that point — with leave to except 
and amend — but in relation to your daughter. 

Jekyll. 'Ow, sir? Hexcuse me, Mr. Job. {Hands manuscript of address 
to the latter.) Well, sir, in relation to my daughter. — 

Richard. {Flurried.) As I have already remarked. — 

Jekyll. As you 'ave, sir. 



11 

Richard. Or should have before, and perhaps did preTiously explain. — 

Jekyll. Hobserve me! One question. By what hexcuse do you con- 
nect my daughter with TOur hofficial duties? 

Richard. Ah — as I was just proceeding to state. 

jEKTLii. Well, sir? 

Richard. Your daughter — 

JekylIi. My daughter — 

Richard. When she informed jou — 

.Tekyll. Yes, sir. 

Richard. Ad she has just informed you — that the principal motive of 
my visit here, was the desire of seeing you — 

JekyIjL. Well, sir? 

Richard. Well, sir, she was guilty — 

Jekyll. Guilty! 'Ow, sir — 

Richard. Ami I say it without disparagement to the lady — but guilty 
of a slight misapprehension of the facts. 

Jekyll. Ho, sir! 

Richard. For the truth is — 

Jekyll. "The truth!" We are getting at it. 

Richard. We are. sir. The truth is — {Aside — with shdden and desper- 
ate determination.) And non-suii me, if it isn't! The truth is, Mr. Joseph 
Jekyll— 

Jekyll. Yes, sir. 

Richard. That of all my somewhat extensive acquaintance, both 
generally speaking, and at this present particular moment, you sir, are the 
last— Mr. Joseph Jekyll — the last — or as you yourself might more elegantly 
phrase it — "the hultimate hindividual," whom I have any desire to see. 
Good-morning! {Turns suddenly ^ puts on his hat defiantly, and strides out 
through the gate.) 

Jekyll. Mr. Job — 

Job. Mr. Jekyll ? 

Jekyll. Do you observe anything strange in my happearance, Mr. Job. 

Job. Why no, sir. Not as I discover. 

Jekyll. Hanything that could invite such a houtburst? This requires 
hattention, Mr. Job. 

Job. Aye, that it does, sir. 

Jekyll. H insubordination — 

{Noise of horses and wheels, without l.) 
But what do I 'ear. 'Orses! He is 'ere. The 'ouse there.' The 'ouse! 
Look lively. 

Unter from the hmise, James, Mrs. Pringle, aiid Buttons, followed by Emilia. 
James! Mrs. Pringle! Hemilia! Make 'aste there. Make 'aste. Look 
lively. Hemilia, where's Miss Wyncot? 

Emilia. Not coming. 

Jekyll. Not coming! Bless my 'cart! not coming. Mrs. Pringle you 
'avn't such a thing as a flag that we could helevate? 

Mrs. p. A flag, sir! Lor, sirl 

Jekyll. {To Buttons.) 'Ere, sir. Young 'Opeful. Come 'ere, sir. 



12 

Stand you 'ere. Mouth shut! Heyes open! (Sta7ids Buttons r. c f. in 
grotesque attitude.) Mrs. Pringle, Ma'am — I think this is about the proper 
haftitude for you. (Placing her r. and regarding her critically.) Stand by, Mr. 
Job, stand by. (Ooes l. followed bg Job.) (The gate-bell rings) Hanswer 
the gate, sir. 

James. (Goina to gate.) Yes, sir. (Exit.) 

Jekyll. (Looking about with satisfaction.) Ah! 

Wyncot ( Without L.) Gently there, my good fellow. Gently! 

Jekyll. Border! 
Enter through gate, Wyncot. He is dressed in stylish light traveling suit. W.ilk.t 
languidly, as though oppressed by the heat. He is followed by James, 
who carries umbrella and traveling bag. 

JektlIi. (When Wyncott is fairly on, ivaving red handkerchief.) 'Ooray! 
'Ooray! 'Ooray! 

Wyncot. (Pausing with deprecatory gesture to Jekgll, turns to James.) 
James — I presume you are called James — the umbrella. {James ofers it) 
Spread it. (James obeys.) 

Jekyll Bless my 'eart! 

Wyncot. (Taking umbrella, advances languidly.) Gentlemen, good-morn- 
ing. 

Jekyll. Ha. Good-morning, sir. Your servant sir. Good-morning. 
{^Unrolling MS. of address — begins to read.) "Honored, sir." — 

Wyncot. Tardon me. I presume I address Miss Wyncot. {To Emilia, 
who stands R. C. F.) 

Emilia. No, sir, you do not. 

Wyncot. Ah — in that case — 

Emilia. In that case I am Miss Emilia Jekyll. And this is my father 
Mr. Joseph Jekyll, the a'gcnt in charge of your estate. 

Wyncot. So! {Jekyll bows pi ofvundly.) 

Emilia And this is Mr. Job, his assistant. 

Wyncot. Gentlemen. {Aodding.) 

Job. Devoted, sir, I'm sure. 

Emilia. And Miss Wyncot has a severe headache, and for the present 
begs to be excuseii. 

Wyncot. Thants! Quite a compendium. Bui Miss — Jekyll, will you 
do me a favor? 

Emilia. A fovor sir? 

Wyncot. The fact is I have met with a most distressing accident. 

Jekyll. HacciJent, sir? 

Wyncot. ( Waving Jekyll aside.) My heavy luggage being a few hours 
behind, I had relied on my portmanteau for a change of apparel, but — 
at the last stat'on but one — my man took a fancy to abscond. Poor devil — I 
had compelled him to travel third class. And upon examination I dis- 
cover that he has left me nothing but a tooth-brush. I am therefore re- 
duced to the deplorable necessity of appearing before Miss Wyncot, in my 
— present disordered condition. You will make — the necessary explana 
tions, and — excuses? 

Emilia. {Sarcastically.) Oh, sir, with pleasure. {Exit into house.) 



13 



Wtncot. Thanks! You nre very kind. (Seating himself, on settee.) 
Now you may go on. 
Jekyll. H:i? Very g~>od, sir. 
Wynoot. 



call you? 

Buttons. 

Wyncot. 
umbrella.) 

Buttons. 

Wyncot. 

Jekyll. 



beg your pardon. 



(Reads.) "Honored sir! " — 
You, there. (To Buttons) What do they 



Buttons, sir. 
Come here. (Buttons approaches.) 



Hold this. (Gives htm 



Yessir. 

Now you may go on. (Re takes cigarette from case, and lights it.) 
Yes, sir. (Aside.) It is to be 'oped so. Ha, sir — very good, 
sir. (Reads.) "Honored sir: in seasons of great liexcitement and up' eaval, 
when the genius of nur hinstitutions, is for the time hinvisible, and the 
political haegis is obscured — (Clears his throat.) it is hoften.'' — 

Wyncot. Ah — once more. I very much regret, sir, to interrupt you 
again, but — does this refer to business? 

Jekyll. Well— hin a measure — hin a measure. Yes sir. 

Wyncot. Ah, so I fancied, though I really don't know why. But 
surely Mr. — 

Jekyll. Jekyll, sir. 

Wyncot. Ah — Jekyll — you will be able to appreciate my condition. I 
have ju«t concluded a very exhaustive journey — and concerning this — ah 

-(PoinHng to paper.) 



Jekyll, 
Wyncot. 
To-morrow 
Jekyll. 
Wyncot. 
Jekyll. 
Wyncot. 
Jekyxl. 
Wyncot. 
Jekyll. 
Wyncot. 
Jekyll. 
Wyncot. 
Jekyll. 



'Ow, sir? The haddre«s — 

Precisely. I see — we understand each other. To-morrow. 



To-morrow, sir. 

Or the day after — or the day after. 
Or the day h after? 
Or, when I send for you. 
Ho! Bless my 'eart, Mr. Job! 

It is, of course, to you, a matter of perfect indiflFerence ? 
Ho! Quite, sir, quite; I hassure you? 

And — you will not mind the inconvenience of calling again? 
Ho! not all s^ir. Not at all. 
Ah! Then we will consider it arranged. 

Ho! Very good sir! (Aside to Job.) Did you h ever?? (To 
Wyncot.) And we wish you sir a 'appy recovery (sarcastically) from your 
most li extraordinary hexaustion. (Nudging Job in the ribs.) 
Wyncot. Ah, thank you. Good day! Good day! 

Jekyll. Ho! Bless my 'eart. (Turning angrily.) Get hout of the way, 
Mr Job. (Exit through gate, followed by Job.) 

Wyncot. (To Mrs. P. who has been approchmg.) And now — ah — 
Mbs. p. Pringle, sir 
Wyncot. Ah, Pringle — 

Mrs. P. And to most Mrs. Pringle — though from you I could 'ardly ex- 
pect — and for seven years 'ousekeepei'ere at this lodge — and my son, sir — 
Wyncot. Ah, that will do — that will do. 
Mrs. p. Aad my son, sir — a growin' boy — 



14 

Wtncot Yes. That will answer. Your name is Pringle, and you are 
the housekeeper. That is quite sufficient. You can then tell me if I can 
have a biscuit, and a glass of sherry. 

Mrs. p. Ho, yes. sir, which for two hours, sir your, breakfast 'as been 
ready in the breakfast room. Though for that matter, sir, as I must say, 
sir. the wittles I'eingyet uncooked — 

Wyncot. Ah — and how far is it to the breakfast room? 

Mrs. p. 'Ow far, sir? Well, sir, it 'as never been surweyed. 

Wyncot. Then will you, Mrs. Pringle, survey it? Thank you. And if 
not too far, expect me soon. 

Mrs. P. Which I 'opes, sir — 

Wyncot. Thauk you. You may go. 

Mrs. p. Though I will be free to say, sir — 

Wyncot. Thank you, Mis. Pringle. 

Mrs. P. Lor! (Exit into house.) 

Wyncot. [After pause.) Buttons — 

Buttons. Yessir. [In constrained position.) 

Wyncot. I perceive that we are in the shade. 

Buttons. Yessir- 

Wyncot. You seem fatigued. 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. Lcwer the umbrella. 

Buttons. Yessir. (Obeys.) 

Wyncot. And consider yourself excused. 

Buttons. Yessir. ( With sigh of relief.) 

[Enter from house, Gladys.) 

Wyncot. [Rising.) Ah — at last, I presume. I have already been oneo 
deceived — but this time, I trust — Miss Gladys. 

Gladys. {Distantly.) Miss Wyncot, sir. 

Wyncot. To be sure. Ah — sit down. Miss Wyncot — sit down [Reseat- 
ing himself, points to a place beside Idm on settee. 

Gladys. [Sitting in rustic chair. B.C.) Thank you, sir. 

Wyncot. Ah — yes to be sure! to be sure! I — I am pleased to see you 
Miss Wyncot. Pleased, indeed Though it must be confessed that the 
circumstances are somewhat peculiar. 

Gladys. I appreciate that fact, sir. 

Wyncot. Ah certainly. No doubt. And — you will scarcely be sur- 
prised, Miss Wyncot — [Pauses and looks over his shoulder at Buttons, who 
lingers near.) 

Buttons. [After pause.) Yessir? 

Wyncot. You may go. 

Buttons, "i essir. [Exit hastily, into house.) 

Wyncot. You will scarcely be surprised. Miss Wyncot, tbat I exhibit 
but little grief for a relative whom I never had the pleasure of meeting, 
and whose obsequies were over, before I received the news of his death. 

Gladys. I am not Furprised, sir. 

Wyncot. Ah — thank you — and so, if you please, will dismiss that phase 



15 

of the subject. [Gladys bows.) It is presumable, too, Miss — Wyncof, Jhat 
you are aware of the provision in my late Uncle's will, which makes me 
responsible for your — welfare, and— conduct, and — so forth, as guardian. 

Gladys. I am, sir — most painfully aware of it. 

Wyncot. Ah — naturally, of course. And you are prepared, I trust, to 
make my burden as — light as possible. 

Gladys. I shall give you but very little trouble, sir. 

Wyncot. Ah — thank you — thank you. You are very kind. And I 
have no doubt. Miss Wyncot — that — by-and-by, when we know each other 
better — we shall — 

Gladys. Well, sir? Respect each other more? 

Wyncot. Oh, by no means — that is — 

Gladys.^ Because if that is what you wish to say, I may as well tell 
you, that so far as one of us at least, is concerned, your confidence is not 
well-founded. 

Wyncot. Indeed? 

Gladys. And it is possible that my knowledge of you does not need to 
be extended. 

Wyncot. Really ? You have heard of me then? 

Gladys. I wish that I never had. 

Wyncot. But' India is very far away, iNIiss Wyncot. 

Gladys. Others beside yourself, sir, have made the journey and re- 
turned. 

Wyncot. Ah! I begin to understand — you have a friend? 

Gladys. I have. 

Wyncot. Who has met me abroad ? {Gladys bows.) Ah — yes? And he 
has furnished you with my character? 

Gladys. Yes. 

Wyncot. In sober truth. Miss Wyncot. you begin to interest me. I 
should very much like to know in what esteem I am held by my old as- 
sociates. 

Gladys. And you think it would please you? 

Wync( T. I am sure of it. And besides, you may have been misinform- 
ed you know. In which case — 

Gladys, in which case no doubt, you will correct me. 

Wyncot. With pleasure. 

Gladys. Oh, and of course, you will confess, if the information be true. 

Wyncot. I give you my word of honor. 

Gladys I have half a mind to gratify you. 

Wyncot. I would Miss Wyncot. 

Gladys. {.Taking letter from her pocket.) It is not likely that you remem- 
ber the writer of this — since he himself says so. 

Wyncot. Ah — a letter. 

Gladys. And besides, I can easily make sure. (As though about to tear 
off the signature — ) 

Wyncot — Precisely — by tearing oflF the signature. 

Gladys. But I don't know If I should. 

WynooT. Come! Does it not strike you as fair? 



16 

Gladys. But in any case, it is only proper to say that it was written 
by a person in whom I have entire confidence — 

Wynoot. It is to be hoped so. 

Gladys. And who was a very dear friend of my Papa's — my real Pupa's. 
1 knew that he had lived in India — 

Wynoot. Yes. 

Gladys. And when I heard of your appointment as my — (Hesitates.) 

Wyncot. Guardian. Exactly, it is an awkward word. 

Gladys. Well, I naturally wished to know something about you — 

Wyncot. Proper enough. 

Gladys And so, on the chance of his knowing you, I wrote to him. 

Wyncot. And this is the reply ? 

Gladys. [Tearing off the signature — hands letter to Wyncot.) And this 
is the reply. 

Wynoot. [Taking Letter.) Thank you. Umph? [Reads.) "My Dear 
Miss Gladys." — Familiar, at least. 

Gladys Oh, but he is elderly! 

Wyncot. Ah! that makes a difference. [Reads.) "My Dear Miss 
Gladys: Puring my sojourn in Nepaul, I made the acquaintance ot your 
lately appointed guardian, and remember him well, though he has probably 
forgotten me." — Humph! Probably. "Unless he has greatly changed, he is 
a good-enough sort of fellow," — Come! that is not so bad. 

Glalys. 0, you will find very little like that. 

Wyncot. Ah! In that case, I hadbestread it again: "He is a good-enough 
Bort of fellow, but so unutterably indolent, that if the end of the wurld 
were to be announced, he would simply light a fresh cigarette — and pos- 
sibly order a brandy and soda " 

Gt.adys. ( Gasps and turns away her head.) 

Wyncot. Humph! It does not improve as we progress. 

Gladys. Oh, read on. 

Wyncot. "While in the East, he occupied his time in the various mild 
forms of dissipation practiced by Europeans in that climate, and in making 
love, in a languid sort of way, to the officer's dauj^hters, and — I regret to 
add," — Ah, yes — "wives." 

Gladys. Oh! And you don't deny it? 

Wyncot. Well — he perhaps strains a point. I have no positive recollec- 
tion of any occurrence of the kind — still — I confess — my memory is treacher- 
ous. Let us read on: "When not too lazy to assert an opinion, he was dis- 
posed to be autocraric; for which reason, and because of his indolence, 
above noted, and his love of luxury, he acquired the title of "The Rajah," 
which he wore with becoming indifference. 

I sympahize with you, my dear Miss Gladys, in the trying situation, in 
which you are placed, but can see no remedy, unless the Court of Chancery 
could be induced to interfere. Sincerely," &c., 

"Tynemouth, Apr — " . 

Gladys. Well? 

Wyncot. Well — he has apparently known me. 

Gladys. [Rising.) And you confess. 



17 

Wyncot. My dear Miss Wyncot, how can I do otherwise? Having 
fiven you my word of honor — 

Glat)YS. (Retaking letter with satirical bow.) Ah! Then sir, while I 
admire your candor. 1 must ask you to excuse me, if I prefer to annoy 
you with but litile of my society. [ j 

Wyncot. And you are determioed not to like me? J 

Gladys. Can jou ask that question? 

Wyncot. Well — yes. I presume I can ask it. 

Gladys. But you certainly expect no answer. And now I have but ont 
thing more to say. 

Wyncot. But one — 

Gladys. And. that in relation to your affairs. 

Wyncot. Ah — And you too — But proceed. 

Gladys. I think vou should know, sir, that everything is not as it 
should be. 

Wyncot. Ah? 

Gladys. For several weeks, there has been mnch dissatisfaction among 
the men. I know but little of the cause. But led by a new comer, whom Mr. 
Jekyll has employed, thoy have been holding meetings, and making 
threats. 

Wyncot. Indeed? 

Gladys. It is the common report that at any hour an outbreak may 
occur, and I trust, sir, that you utay sufficiently exert yourself, to pre- 
serve at least a portion of what your uncle has left you, from ruin. (Turnt 
to go.) 

Wyncot Ah — really — but stop — 

Gladys. Good-day. (Exit into house.) 

Wyncot. (Hismg.) What a peculiar girl! What a very peculiar girll 
In some respects, a truly remarkable girl! 

Enter through gate., Cragin, and half-a-dozen men — all in workmen! s dress. 
No I beautiful, certainly — SLud yet— (Turns — sees Cragin.) Hello! Who ar« 
you? 

Cragin. {Advancing insolently.) That you' 11 learn, sir — 

Wyncot. Ah — 

Cragin. That you'll learn, sir, when you've cast your eye over this. 
(Offers paper.) 

Wyncot. Alo'e documents? 

Cragin. Though in short, sir, I don't mind felling you. I am generally 
spoken to as Cragin, and these are my mates, and this is a copy, sir, of our 
demands, which we 'ave the honor to present you. 

Wyncot. "Demands! " Ah — then it is not a petition? 

Cragin. Well, sir, we 'ave drawed petitions 'eretofore, but they didn't 
seem to justify our wery waluable labor. So we've altered the styliB. 

Wyncot. Just so. And your name is Cragin? 

Cragin If I know it. 

Wyncot. And these are your mates? 

Craghn As you see 'em. 

Wyncot. And you are in the Wyncot employ? 

Cragin. So called. 



18 

WyNCOT. And have certaia grievaaces which are herein set forth? 

Cragin. Yuu've hit it, sir. 

Wyncot. Very good! Cragin, why don't you take oflF your hat? 

Ceaqin. My hat, sir? 

Wyncot. That was my inquiry. 

Craoin. Well, sir. principally for the reason that it doesn't suit my 
conwenience. 

Wyncot, So? 

Cragin. And next for the reason that we've unanimously concluded 
that hats was made to wear. 

Wyncot. Not a bad answer — Yes, But my very dear friend, there arc 
certain amenities of society which should not be disregarded — and one of 
these requires that on certain occasions, hats should be removed. Now this, 
I, take it, is one of those occasions. Come! to oblige me. 

Cragin. {Thrusting his hands in his pockets.) Ha, sir, wery sorry. 

Wynoot. {Mildly.) Take off your hat. {Oragin takes his hands from hia 
pockets — folds his arms, and smiles deriHvely. Wyncot, with sudden change of 
manner.) Take it off! {Catches hat from Cragin'' s head. Cragin doubles hit 
fists, and draws back his arm at though to strike. Wyncot resumes his former 
manner. Taking the paper.) And now gentlemen — I will peruse this. And 
you shall hear from me. Good-morning. {Turns on his heel and walk* 
languidly toward house. Cragin springs after him. Wyncot turns facing Mw*, . 
and eyes him, calmly, but sternly.) 

Picture. — Curtain. 



19 



ACT II. 

ScBNB. — Drawing room, Wyncot Lodge. Grate, with fire to burn, l. Jl «. 

Window, curtained to floor, r. 1 b. Door, in flat, c. Door, l. 2d e. Door, 

B. 2d E. 

Enter Gladys, and Mrs. Pringle. Door, c. 

Mrs. P. Which first, Miss, it is the gate-bell that rings — and "Buttons!'' 
it is. And he goes. 

Gladys. Mrs. Pringle — 

Mrs. p. And next. Miss, it is the bell of the liberary — and "Buttons! '' 
it is — and he goes. And next, Miss, it is the 'ot water, for shaving, and 
"Buttons! '' it is — and he goes. 

Gladys. Mrs. Pringle — 

Mks. P. And 'im that driven, and plagued of 'is life, with 'is collar 
about 'is ears — and likewise as stiff as a ramrod, bein' heretofore used but 
to turn downs. Which I have only to say Miss — 

Gladys. Once for all, Mrs. Pringle, as I have already told you, a score 
cf times, it is now Mr. Wyncot that commands at Wyncot Lodge, and to 
him you must make your complaints — 

Mks. p. Which I have only to say. Miss, that if Buttons is to be liun- 
der-footman, and likewise vally-de-sham, then why not the wages of a 
vally-de-sham, or leastwise — 
Enter Buttons, o., door: in new livery, with high standing collar. He walks 

stiffly, and constrainedly. 
Lor! Do but look! 

Buttons. {Stretching his neck, announces in a shouting tone.) Mister — 
Jeykll— 

Mks. p. Bless 'im! 

BtjTTONs. Hand Mister Job! 

Gladys. Oh, Buttons. [Goes up.) 
Enter Emilia, c, door. She wears hat and light wrap. She and Gladys 
' embrace at d->or. 

,Mrs. p. For all the world like the Squire's own plush, at a county ball. 
Buttons. 

Buttons. Mama! {They embrace.) 

Emilia. {Calling out at door.) Come in Papa. {To Gladys.) I found 
them waiting in the hall-way, so I took the liberty. 
Enter Jekyll and Job, door, o. 



Gladys. Oh, Mr Jekylll It was all the fault of that stupid Buttons. 
Gentlemen will you be seated? 

Jekyll. Ah — thankee — but we 'ave come by happointment to meet Mr. 
Wyncot and— {lof/ili/) we 'ope that we shall not l>e detained. 

Gladys. I will send for him at once. (Comes down.) Buttons. 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Gladys. You will go to Mr. Wyncot' s loom. 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Gladys. And say to him that the gentlemen whom he expected have 
arrived. 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Gladys. Then go. 

£xit RuttoJis, door, l. 

Mrs. Pringle, you may be excused. 

Mrs. p. Which I am, Miss. And Buttons! it is — and he goes. [Exit 
door, B.) 

Jekyll. {Coming doivn.) A most hexcelient female. 

Emilta. I'apa! 

Jekyll. Iq the hordinary sense. In the hordinary sense. 

Emilia Oh! 

Gl-A-Dys. You are speaking nf Mrs. Pringle? 

Jekyll. 'llof course. 

Gladys. Indee I, with all her faults, we find her invaluable. 

Jekyll. Ha — no doubt. Hi wouldn't deprive you of 'er, Miss. Hi 
wouldn't deprive you of 'e". Quite a change in the weather. 

Gladys.. Oh, a very great chand,e. But you will excuse us, Mr. Jekyll? 

Jekyll. Hif we must. 

Gladys. Mr. Wyncot will certainly be here very soon. 

Emilia. Good-morning, Papa. 

Jekyll. Morning! {Exit Gladys and Emilia, door, R.) 

Jekyll. Hand now, Mr. Job — hand now, sir, in the language of the 
poet,, 'ere we are once more." 

Job. 'Tis very true, sir. 

Jekyll. But mark my hobservation — mark it well, sir — if, by my pre- 
seuce ou this occasion, I 'ave so consented to humor 'is eccentricities — not 
to call them by a 'arsher uame — it is howing, Mr. Job, to but one cause 
alone. You fathom me? 

Job. Quite true, sir. 

Jekyll. For the respect in which I 'eld ' is Uncle — that worthy man — 

Job. a worthy man, sir. 

Jekyll. That, great man, Mr. Job. 

Job. a great man, sir. 

Jekyll. Well, sir, for the respect in which I 'eld 'im, and still 'old 'is 
memory, I 'ave resolved, sir, as a matter of duty to guide the nevew 
through 'is present crisis. 

Job. And very kind in you, sir. 



21 

Jekyll. This much will I do — this much for the huncle's sake — hand 
then — hind then, Mr. Job — {Spreading his arms.) 

Job. Ah, well, sir? 

Jekyll. Hi say no more. 
Enter Wynoof, door, l. He in in drei<sing gown and slippers and carries a fold- 
ed document. 

Wtncot. Ah, gentlemen, good-morning. 
Jekyll. {Jsows sttffly.) 

Job. Devoted, sir, I'm sure. 

AVyncot. I trust, gentlemen, that I have net kept you waiting. 

Jekyll. H'm! — well, sir, not to s^peak of. {Looking at watch.) 

Wyncot. Ah — I am sorry. And I further regret, gentlemen, that at 
our last meeting — which was also our first — I treated you— perhaps — with 
what may have seemed a lack of courtesy. 

Jekyll. Humph! well, sir — no. 

Wtncot. Thank you. The fact is I was very much exhausted, at the 
time, and was not then fully aware of the the obligation under which you 
proposed to place me. 

Jekyll. {Aside to Job.) 'E alters 'is tone. 

Wyncot. I kn-w of course that you were the active business agents in 
charge of the estate — 

Jekyll. Ha, thankee, sir. 

WvNCOT. But I have since discovered in addition, that for some years 
previous 10 my late uncle's death, you frequently acted as his confidential 
advisers. 

Jekyll. Sir, we 'ad that honor. 

Wyncot. I have therefore sent for you, to beg of you the benefit of your 
experience, in the somewhat trying situation in which I am now placed. 

Jekyll. {Aside to Job.) The weather 'as changed, Mr. Job. 

WynooT. May I impose upon you to that extent ? 

Jekell. Sir, we shall hesteem it a duty. 

Wyncot. Thank yoh. You are very kind, lou have been furnished I 
presume, wiih a copy of the address issued by my employes ! 

Jektll. We 'ave sir. 

Wyncot. Then if you please, we will lose no time. Mr. Job, pray be 
seated. {He and Job seat themselves.) Mr. Jekyll, I shall be pleased to 
hear you. 

Jekyll. {Taking position and clearing his throat.) Ha, sir — very good 
sir. 

Wyncot. You will not object to a cigarette. 

Jekyll. Ho, not at all sir—; 

Wyncot. Thank you. {Lighting cigarette.) 

Jekyll. Very good sir. You will hobserve sir — ( Unfolding document 
which he has taken from his pocket) — you will hobserve, that 'erein there 
are distinctly hembodied, two distinct demands. 

Wyncot. I have observed. 

Jekyll. The first, in point of border, relates to the wages of the men. 
Hin glowing terms — and to the. inexperienced calculated to deceive — it pro- 



— j^x^n 



22 

ceefls to set forth that the w.iges afor-^said are at present, hinsuffioient. You 
K follow me. 

Wyncot. I do. 

Jekyll Very good, sir. Gut don't get a'ead. Hon this subject of the 
working man, don't think to get a'ead of Joseph Jekyll, Hattorney. Hex- 
l perience? Well, possibly — per'aps. Ten years at the hanvil — though 
what does it signify, save in the matter of hexperience? But this I tell 
you — this I hexpressly state, as a fact, sir, in political heconomy — give a 
workingman pie, and 'e will immediately hask for pudding, give 'im 
. pudiling and 'e will hank for sauce. And there he 'as you — see? Very 

good, sir, well, sir — where shall we draw the line? Draw it, sir. hat pie. 
Draw the line hat pie, {striking the table) and there you 'have 'im. See? 
Wyncot. I l>egbi tn see, Mr. Jekyll. In other words — 
Jekyll Hin other words : the demand for an increase of wages, you 
t will hunconditionally refuse. 
|X/^2| ^ ii inrUj . Ahl That, at least, is plain, 
^"*^EKTLL. I 'ope so. Very good, sir. To resume. Let us inspect now 
the second stipulation. This, you will take notice, himposes the condition, 
i that a certain Cragin, who is the' ead and front of the strike, be appointed — 
and that hinstantly — to th3 position of Overman. Very good, sir. Now 
who is Cragin ? 'Eaven knows, ile is a new 'and. He is not so to speak, 
the best man for the place, but he is, so to speak, a most ugly customer to 
« 'andle. Well, sir — what then ? Happoint 'im. That will satisfy 'im. 
AVyncot. No doubt. 

Jekyll. That will satisfy 'im — and he will satisfy the others. The 
meu do not hadmire 'im, but they are afraid of 'im. And so. without hex- 
^ pense, yon will 'ave satisfied all. Again, sir — see? 
' Wyncot. I think I do, Mr. Jekyll. And a very shrewd scheme it is. 

JekylLi Ah — thankee, sir. 

Wyncot. A very shrewd scheme! I perceive Mr. Jekyll, that you are 
not without claims to the confidence, which my late uncle reposed in you. 
y^ JektIjI,. Ho, sir, you overwhelm me. And now if you 'ave but a pen 

and paper 'andy — 

Wyncot. Ah ! but stop. One moment, Mr. Jekyll. I have been here but 
a short time, as you know. And yet — in my way — I have made some 
-f' slight examination into the condition of affairs. I have learned at least, 
that the earnings of the property are large, and that the wages of the men 
are small. 
Jekyll. Well, not hexorbitant, per'aps. 
y Wtnoot. No, not exorbitant. Now, it may be Mr. Jekyll, that a taste 

of pie does beget a taste for pudding, and that with pudding may arise a 
desire for sauce. I believe Mr. Jekyll, that even you and I do occasional- 
ly take sauce with our pudding. 
y Jekyll. Why, yes, sir. Yes. Hat times. 

Wyncot. As I fancy. And though I am not a man of experience, 
and of political econo'.uy know absolutely nothing, it is nevertheless my con- 
viction — my firm conviction, Mr. Jekyll, that the employer who cannot 
T live and thrive, and yet allow his employes an occasional nibble at the pie ol 



23 

prosperity, if only as a relish to the bread and water of afflict, on, should 
make an assignment to seme one who can . 

Jekyll. {Amazed.) Mr. Job! 

Job. Mr. Jekyll. 

Jektll. Well, sir? 

Wyncot. Well, sir — in short — you will see that the wages are prompt- 
ly increased, in accordance with the list which I herewith provide. 

Jekyll. Do you mean it? 

Wyncot. I do. 

Jbkyll. You hastound me. » 

Wyncot. I am really very sorry. 

Jkkyll. You hastound me. I can say no more. 

Wyncot. 1 will cnde "vor to excuse you. 

Jekyll. But of course you hassume — 

Wyncoi . Oh, completely — the entire responsibility. 

Jekyll. Ha! Thankee, sir. 

Wyncot. I'on't mention it. And we may therefore regard this prob- 
lem as dismissed. 

Jekyll. (,^uite as you please, sir. {Aside.) 'Old your breath, Mr. Job. 

Wyncot. And now concerning the other— 

Jekyll. Ah! The other — 

Wyncot. I have also investigated — to a certain extent — the case of this 
"certain Cragin," and i quite agree with you that he is a desperately ugly 
customer. 

Jekyll. Ho! In that we do agree? 

Wyncot. Wc do. 

Jekyll. And I shall therefore make out 'is papers. 

Wynoot. If you will. (Rising.) And let it be at once. But since ugly 
customers are desirable neither as overmen, nor undermen, see to it, Mr. 
Jekyll, that they are papers of discharge. 

Jekyll. Discharge, sir? 

Wyncot. Discharge. 

Jekyll. Do I 'ear you? 

Wynoot. I trust you do. 

Jekyll. But I beg your pardon — discharge? Cragin — the wages— hin 
accordance — the papers- hinci ease— the wagin — the crages — discharge — 
Oh, blesy my 'cart ! 

WyncuT- {(irasping his hand.) How thoroughly we understand each 
other. And so for the present— good-day, Mr. Jekyll, good-day. 

Jekyll. But the papers — 

Wyncot. Precisely. Immediately, if you please — as you yourself, have 
suggested. A thousand thanks! ( Working Jekyll and Job, toward door, o.) 
There is nothing I believe to add? 

Jekyll. And the wages — 

Wyncot. Exactly. In accordance with the list. You are more tlian 
kind. I shall really never forget it. 

Jekyll. And the hincrease — the pie- the — Ho, Mr. Job! 

Wyncot. {Bowing them out.) Good-day, Mr. Job, good-day. 



24 

Exit, Jekyll ami Job, door ill flat c. At the same instant, enter Gladys and 
Emilia, door, e. 

Wyncot. [Turning) Ah — ladies, your most obedient! Walk in, Miss 
Wvncot, walk in. Pray walk in Miss Jokyll. We have quite finished. Very 
annoying -these little affairs of business — but— Pray be seated. You got 
my message, Miss Wyncot? 

G\Auys I have received it, sir. 

Wyxcot. Ah — and you are very good to have come. I very much re- 
gret — Mi^-s Wyncot — to be compelled to assert my authority — at such an 
early clay — 

Gladys. Authority? 

Wyncot. Well — call it, if you prefer, my personal influence. 

Gladys. Oh, no sir. Let us call it authority then, by all means. 

Wykcot. As you like. As you like. 

Emiua. It is coming, Gladys. 

Wyncot. But it has come to my knowledge, that you are in the habit of 
wandering, somewhat extensively in the adjacent pleasure grounds, in com- 
pany with your friend, Miss Jekyll. 

Emilia. Ah — 

Wyncot. And while — as to the latter lady — I have certainly no right to 
control her actions, I consider it desirable that you, at least, for the pi-e- 
sent, should limit your strolls to the immediate neighborhood of the house. 

Gladys Indeed? 

Wyncot. It will scarcely be necessary, to mention the reasons. 

Gladys. Oh! 

Wyncot. You will be satisfied to know tha> — 

Gladys. That you consider it desirable. 

Wyncot. Precisely. Thank you. 

Gladys. But let me understand. Is this intended as an order? 

WynooT- An order? Well — No. No For in that case you would im- 
mediately disobey it? Of course. Call it, if you will, a mere suggestion. 
And so perhaps w.' may regard it as arranged. Thank you! Thank you. 
lam sorrA to leave you. We shall meet, I trust, at dinner. {Goi7ig up.) 

Emilia." Gladys? 

Gladys. Emilia — 

Emilia. {Stepping forward.) Mr. Wyncot — 

Wyncot. Miss Jekyll — 

Emili.a. Are you not ashamed of yourselt ? 

Wyncot. Well — positively. I — 

Emilia. Oh, I daresay you are not. It would be difficult, I fancy, to 
make you blush. 

Wyncot. Thank you. 

Emilia. After having been in the house but twenty-four hours, to at- 
tempt to dictate, in such a ridiculous fashon! As though Gladys were not 
able to take care of herself! What do you know about young ladies? 

Wyncot. Yery little! Very little, I assure you. 

Emilia. And 3 et from your manner, one would think you were the 
father of fifteen or twenty. 

Wyncot. Oh, Miss Jekyll ! 



25 



liMiLiA. But it may as welljbe uuderstood, first as last, and I speak for 
Miss Gladys, who perfectly agrees with me, in everything that I say — tell 
him so, Gladys. 

Gladys. Yes — perfectly. 

Emilia. It may as well be understood that hereafter you are to attend 
strictly to your own affairs — 

Wyncot. Ah? 

Emilia. And are not to regard Miss Gladys as one of them. It is "?true 
tie law gives yon some slight advantage — 

Wyncot. Yes— 

Emilia. Wiiich you are probably mean enough to use— 

Wyncot. Ah — thank you again. 

Emilia. But if you should, do j'ou suppose for one brief moment, that 
with the advantage of all the laws in existence, you can compel a young 
lady to do what she doesn't wish to do? 

Wyncot. Oh, not for a moment! 

Emilia. No! 

Wyncot. Pray, don't so misjudge me. 

Emilia Then perhaps you will resign your ridiculous pretensions? 

Wynoot. It would seem to be the safer course. 

Emilia. And we shall all get along comfortaMy — if not pleasantly. 

Wyncot. Yes. 

Emilia. Arid much trouble will be avoided — on both sides. 

Wyncot. Yes. 

Emilia. And besides, sir, you will be spared much fatigue 

Wyncot. Without doubt. Yes. 

Emilia. And— 

Wyncot Yes. Well? 

Emilia, Well— 

Wyncot. Yes. Well? 

Emilia. Why don't you say something? 

Wyncot. But what is there to be said? My dear Miss Jekyll, you have 
said it all. I can positively think of nothing — in this connection — that you 
have omitted. But if you can suggest somethin — 

Emiia. Oh, but don't I wish that /were a ward of yours! 

Wyncot. Thaakyou: You are very kind — but one is quite suflScient. 
Quite! However — you must permit me, since I can do no more — [strikes 
bell) at least to provide you with an escort. 

Enter Buttons, door, o . 
Buttons! 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. You see these young ladies ? 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. They propose to go for a walk, in the park. 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. You will follow them — 

Buttons. Yessir. 

^Vyncot. Wherever they may go — 

Buttons. Yessir. . * 



26 

Wyncot. Being careful not to lose them from your sight — 
Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. And if anything alarming should occur, I think that I may 
rely on you to give me sufficient notice. 
Buttons. Yessir. 
Wyncot. You may go. 

Exit Btitions, door, c. 



But the inevi- 
Tbank you Miss 



Really I am beginning lo feel 



And now, once more — though 1 am more than ever sorry, 
table !ind inexorable business. Thank you Miss Wyncot. 
.Tekyll. Till dinner. ( Exit, door, -l.) 

Gladys. What shall be done with such a man? 

Emilia. Poison l>im. 

Gla ys If he would only get angry! 

Emilia. If he would only talk back! 

Gladys. But he wont. Oh, Emilia! 
desperate. Can you think of nothing? 

Emilia. Richard! 

Gladys. Rich.-jrd ! — Pshaw.' 

Emilia. "Pshaw? " 

Gladys. AVell — but of what use can Richard be? 

Emilia. Well, Gladys. I must declare — 

Gladys . But if Mr. Wyncot has the law on his side, not all the Rich- 
ard -< in the world, can alter it; and what is impossible is impossible. 

Emilia. Then you thmk of submitting? 

Gladys. Submitting! [Emphasis of sarcastic surprise.) 

Emilia. No. You don't. Gladys you are a girl of spirit. But you are 
peculiar. Yes, you are. And so am I— though in a different way. Now, 
you perhaps, would go out and drown yourself. But that wouldn't spite 
him. What we want is to induce Am to drown himself. And for that pur- 
pose, we must find a plan. Now first, we will consult with Richard — Lis- 
ten ! The very person. I know his step — as though he were juu'ping the 
garden fence. 

Enter Richard, hastily, door, o. 

0. Richard! [Running toward him.) 

Richard. [With gesture of repulsion.) Emilia, avaunt! avaunt! Don't 
touch me. Don't speak to me! 

Emilia. Richard! 

RiCHAKD. But look upon me, look upon me, if you will, and tremble at 
your work. 

Emilia. Mine? Gladys! But what has happened? 

Richard. Happened? Aha! You well may ask. Emilia, I have been 
"respectful — but firm." I have observed your advice — I have yielded to 
your judgment — 

Emilia. And you have met with Papa? 

Richard. Have we met? Well, in the language of the individual in 
question— ''possibly — per'aps! '' We have met, Emilia, and once too 



27 

often. But we meet no more. "Oh, sad no morel" And 1 wlio tell jou 
— I who relate to you this direful tale— I yet live — my limbs support their 
burden — my tongue performs its office. Emilia, I have been notified to 
quit. 

Emuja. Lischarged? Richard! [They embrace.) 

RjchaKD. [Over Emilia's shoulder.) Don't cry, Miss Wyncot. 

Gladys. Well, really, Mr. Jocelyn, I am very, very sorry. 

KiCHAKD. I I elieve you Miss Wyncot. Women like to be sorry. No 
offence. But what are tears to a griet like mine? Yes, Emilia, 1 am not 
indispen-^able. Or so it appears. At all events, your Papa has dispensed 
with me — ani seemingly without a pang. But think upon it, Emilia — re- 
flect! But. yesterday. [Uokiinci up card, which he has taken fruin his pocket. 
Reads.) RICHARD JOGELYN.'with JOSEL'H JEKYLL.— ATTORNEY." 
Seven and six, for that. Engraved plate, and a hundred Bristol-boards. 
And now — farewell! "Farewell, fond dream! '' Emilia, fare-thee-well ! 

Emilia And where are you going ? 

RiCHABD. Going? 

Fmili.s. Yes, hadn't you thought of thai? 

RiCHAKD. Alas, I ha). Emilia, T go to my uncle. 

Emilia. Your uncle ? 

Richard. Yes At the sign of the three brass balls. 

Emilia. Nonsense! 

Richard. Would that it were! But though my heart is broken, my 
stomach yet requires sustenance; and lacking the equivalent, which the 
unfoeling world demands — 

Emilia Now listen to me. 

RiCHAKD. I listen. 

Emilia. You are out of your senses 

Richard. Confessed. 

Emilia. And what you need is something to divert your mind — 

Richard. "Divert! " 

Emilia. So that you may see things, in a diff'erent light. Help me to 
persuade him, Gladys. 

Richard. Yes, help her Miss Wyncot. 

Gladys. Oh, I wish that I could. 

Emilia. Now Richard, I have an idea — 

Richard. Again, Emilia? Beware! 

Emilia. But thi« time I anj sure it is a good one. It is not exactly in 
the way of business, but may lead to something. 

Richard. Lead on. 

Emilia. Well, you must know that Mr. Wyncot has just been here, and 
lias acted outrageously. 

Richard. Oulrageously! 

Emilia. And indeed, has insulted us both. 

Gladys. Emilia — 

Emilia. Well, you know, Gladys — 

Gladys. But you must tell it, as it was. 

Emilia. Now don't attempt to soften it. 



28 

Richard. {SHzing each by a hand.) Ladies, hear me— one at a time. 
You have been insulted? The mode? The occasion? The extent? Propound, 
Emilia, propound. 

I'^MILIA. Richard, it is impossible. 

RionAHD. Impossible? 

Emilia To reduce it to your comprehension — 

Richard. Ah! 

Emilia. But, suffice it to say, he could not have acted worse. 

RioHAKD. "He could not have acted worse." You indorse that state 
niput, Miss Wyncot? lie could not have acted worse. 

Gladys. Oh. Emilia! 

RiCHABD. Proceed. 

Emilia. Now this is what I propose— you shall call him to account. 

RicHAEB. Account? — I? 

Emilia. Yes. 

RicHABD. What? Pistols and coflt'ee? 

Emilia. JSo. 

RiCHAUD. Oh, I see — [Rolling up his wrist-bandi.) 

Gladys. Mr. Jocelyn! 

Emilia. But of course you will go only far enough to frighten him, 
and give him to understand that we have a protector. 

Glaijys. And suppose he should refuse to be frightened? 

Richard Yes. Suppose it, Emilia. 

Emilia. It is not supposable. 

Richard. Oh! 

EmIUa. Why, I could frighten him, myself. 

RicHARr . I believe you, Emilia. 

E.vilLlA. And beside? if he should give you trouble- - 

Richard. Ah! Well, then? 

Emilia. Which is simply a remote possibility — 

Richard. Let us hope so! 

Emilia. But if he should, and they should even arrest you— 

Gladys. Emilia! 

Richard. Proceed! 

Emilia. Well, at the worst, you can plead your own case. And so you 
will have a client. 

Richard. Emilia, it is an idea. 

Gladys Emilia, it is simply absurd. And Mr. Jocelyn, I forbid you to 
think of it for a moment. 

Emilia. Gladys— 

GLA.DYS. Why it is absolutely ridiculous. And if I had dreamed— 

Emilia. Well, it you had dreamed— 

Gladys.. That ycu had such a thought in your head. 

Richard. Allow me. Miss Wyncot, I respect your scruples. But 
justice must be vindicated. The question is siiaply this: You are absolute- 



29 

ly sure that the provocation has been sufficient? 
Emilia Yes. 
Richard. Yes? 
Gladys. No! No! 

RiCHABD. No? 

Emilia. Richard, as I hav-'. already said — 

Richard. "He could not have acted worse.'' Tell me no more. And 
he is here? 

Emilia. {Poiniiny , -l.) Yes. H'sh! 

Richard. Ladies, you will oblige me by vacating the room immediately. 

Gladys. Never! Never! Never! 

Emilia. Now Gladys jon't be a goose. 

Richard. No, don't, Miss Wyncot. Be a duck. Be a duck. ; 

Emilia. As though anything serious could come of it ! 

Gladys. Serious? 

Emilia Yes. Why of course he will apologize. 

Gladys He? Mr. Wyncot? 

Emilia. When he sees Richard? 

Richard. Why of course. 

Gladys. But if i could only be sure of that ! 

Richard. Ah— if 1 could only be sure! But we waste tim . 

Emilia. Listen! He is coming. 

Gladys. Emilia — 

RiCHAED. Ladies — {urging them to door c.) 

Gladys. But you will be very very careful, Mr. Jocelyn? 

Richard. Whai? Of myself? I promise you. 

Gladys. Oh! 

Emilia. Gladys ! 

Richard. [Pushing them out door c.) Go! "Thus bad begins, but 
worse remains behind." 

Eiiier Wyncot, door L. He is in ridinq costume, and walks slowly fordward, 
absorbed in a document which he carries in his hand. 

Richard- Sizeable sort of fellow. Biceps apparently well developed. 
But out of training. Sir! 

Wyncot. ( Glancing up.) Good-morning. Good-morning. (Eyes again 
onpaper.) 

JiiCHARD. Doesn't seem impressed. {Offering card.) Permit me-- 

Wyncot. [Takinq card.) Ah? Your card? {Richard bows, Wyncot reads 
card) "RICHARD JOCELYN"— indeed? "With JOSEPH JEKYLL"— 

Richard. Permit me, again. {Retaking card, writes on it uith pencil.) 

Wyncot. With pleasure. {Receives the card again from Richard.) Ah, I 
perceive — "withowj Joseph Jekyll." 

Richard. I have discharged him. 

Wyncot. ' You are then of the legal persuasion? 

Richard. I am. 

Wyncot. And disengaged. 

Richard. Very much so. 



30 



WynodT. Well, sir, I am glad to meet you. How can I serve you? 

RioHAiiD. All! The question is a leading one. 

Wyncot. P.u-don me. 

Richard. But it possesses, at least, the virtue of directness — 

Wyncot. Sir? 

Richard. And merit:^ a direct reply. You can place me, sir, under last- 
ing obligations, by making me the defendant in an action for assault and 
battery. 

WyncoT. I fail to comprehend. 

Richard. 1 shall be glad to enlighten you. You have oflfended, sir, a 
certain young lady — 

Wyncot. Oh! There is a lady in the case? 

RiCHAEE. And strictly speaking, two. 

Wyncot. That complicates matters. 

Richakd. Seriously. For while I have not the remotest conception of 
what you have done, 1 am credibly informed, sir, that you could not have 
acted worse. 

Wyncot. Su? And you are here — 

Richard. As their rtpreseutative — 

Wyncot. To receive an explanation. 

Richard. The case is respectfully submitted. 

Wyncot. Well, sir, this is awkward. 

RiOHflRD. I can believe it. 

W\''ncot. For you. I presu.ue. are in a hurry. 

Richard. Measurably so. 

Wyncot. And I am exceedingly busy. 

i'liOiiAED. Ah! I am not. 

Wyncot. You couldn't be prevailed upon to sit down? 

i'licuAR . No. Thank you. 

Wyncot. No. Under the circumstances — It would not perhaps be pro- 
per. But — {seating himself) positively this is awkward, Mr. Joeelyn. 

Richard. I think I have heard you say so. 

Wyncot. Yes For apart from the pressure of my other engagements, 
by a most remarkable coincidence — though 1 fear I detain you. 

RichaRD. You do. 

Wyncot. Pardon me. By a most remorkable coincidence, I was just 
at this moment setting forth in search of legal advice. 

Richard. {Suddenly interested.') Advice? 

Wyncot. Advice? 

Richard. Legal? 

Wyncot. Legal. 

Richard. Indeed, sir? — With your permission, I will sit down. 

Wyncot. But I really fear 1 detain you. 

Richard. Oh, sir, it is quite immaterial. Legal advice? 

Wyncot. Well, yes. You see, Mr. Joceiyn — if I may so trouble you — 

Richard. Oh, pray proceed. 

Wyncot. I have certain accounts which require immediate inspection. 

Richard. Accounts? 



81 

Wyncot. And I am also called upon to take action in certain mutters 
involving legal questions, with which I am 1 ut imperfectly acquainted. 
Now all this, I daresay, is precisely in your line. 

KiCHAED. Line sir! Line? My line? 

Wyncot. You have received a legal education? 

Richard. Of the best. 

Wyncot. Of which you could furnish certificates. ' 

RiCHAKD. At sight. 

Wyncot. And are, besides, acquainted with the bcoks of the estate? 

Richard. From A. to Z. 

Wynco'j'. Hnw very unfortunate! 

Richard. Excuse me? 

Wyncot. I said! "How very unfortunate?" For if, now, you were at 
liberty to accept— 

RiCHAKD. (HecoiUny.{ Ah! True! {Aside.) Emilia-- 

Wyncot. And tlien, too, I don't mind telling you Mr. .Jocelyn, that I 
am much pleased with your appearance. 

RiCHAKD. Oh, thank you, sir. 

WynooT. Though being a stranger in the neighborhood, I am of course 
liable to le deceived. 

RiCHAKD. Oh, certainly! 

AVyncot. However, I should take the chances. And if upon trial, you 
were to prove to be what I think you — well — the question of salary should 
never separate us. 

Richard. You are joking? 

Indeed, I should not hesitate at five hundred pounds per 



Wyncot. 
year 

Richard. 
Wyncot. 

RiCHAED 

Wyncot. 

Richard. 

Wyncot. 

Richard. 

Wynoot. 

Richard. 

Wyncot. 

RiCHAED. 

Wyncot. 
Richard. 
Wyncot. 
Richard. 
Wyncot. 
Rich ABU. 
his hand.) 
Wyncot. 
Richard. 



{Rismg.) Five hundred — Five hundred pounds! 
If only you were at liberty to accept. 

Ah! True, sir. Tru,! 
Provokingly unfortunate.' 

It is, sir. It is. — I beg your pardon. 
Well, sir? 

Has i' not occurred to you — 
Perhaps it has. 

That by a simple apology — or something of that nature- 
Yes— 

On your part — 
Precisely. 

My present disability might be removed? 
Ah — Oh, yes. It has occurred to me. Yes. 

[Aside despairingly.) It has occurred to him. 
I am very sorry. 

{Quickly.) Sorry, sir? I knew it. Say no more. 

But possibly, you misunderstand me. 
Ah? 



[ Offering 



82 

Wyncot. I am sorry that the difficulty should have .xrison. 
Richard. Oh! {Aside.) So am I. 
Wyncot. Yes. Distressingly unfortunate! 
Richard. {Aside.) Excruciali'igly! 
Wyncot. Bui on ihe other hand — 
Richard. Ah, will, sir? 

Wyncot. Though I don't know that I should mention it — 
Richard. I beg sir that you will. 

WyncoT- Does it not occur to you — or might it not be made to occur — 
Richard. I daresay — 

Wyncot. That you Mr. Jocelyn, have assumed to act the champion, with 
n very limited knowledge of the cause, 
Richard. Why — so it does. 

Ah? 

Yes, sir. So it does begin to occur. 

And, perhaps, that upon reflection, say in the course of half- 



Wyncot. 
Wyncot. 
Wyncot. 
an-hour — 
Richard. 
Wyncot. 



During which time you might inspect my papers — and get 
done— and also extend your acquaintance with 



some idea of the labor to 
me — 

Richabd'. 

Wyncot. 
another? 

Richard. 

Wyncot. 

Richard. 

Wyncot. 
that I shall like you 

Richard. {Ora^ping 
that 1 shnll like you. 

Wyncot. Will you walk into my library, Mr. Jocelyn? 

Richard. With alacrity, and dispatch. 

Wyncot. One moment — {strikes bell.) 

Enter Buttons, door, o. 



Pray proceed. 
That if still unable to accept, you might at least recommend 

Sir, I should be delighted — delighted. {Rising.) 
[Rising.) And you will really do me this favor ? 

Will I ? 
Sir, accept my hand. You are a rood fellow, and I believe 



Ms hand. ) Sir, you are another, and I believe 



Wyncot. 
Buttons. 
Wyncot. 
Buttons 


Buttons! 
Yessir. 

Where are the young ladies? 
Listenin' at the key-"ole, sir. 




A slight scream without, door, e. 


Wyncot. 
Buttons. 
Wyncot. 
Richard. 
Wyncot. 


Ah! Tell them they may come in. 
Yessir. 

f Opening door, l) Mr. Jocelyn— 
After you. sir. 
Ibeg— 




.Exit Wyncot and Richard, door, l. 


Buttons. 


{Facing up stage — shouts.) You may come hin. 



33 



Enter Gladi/s and Emilia^ door, c. 
Emilia {To Buttom.) Oh! — Oh, you deceitful young wretch! 



Gladys. 
Emilia 



( To Buttons.) How dare you? 
I could strangle him — I could. 



Ruttons sidles to door, c. 
Gladys. But don't. P'or if you touch him, he will simply screech for 
his Mama, and then we shall have her about our ears. • 
Emilia. You young— serpent! (Darts at Buttons.) 

Buttons dodges out door, o. 
Gladys— what shall we do? 

Gladys. You tell. 

Emilia. I can't. 

Gladys. To have robbed us of our last friend! 

Emilia. But at least we have each other. 

Gladys. And we will never separate? 

Emilia. Never. 

Gladys We will live together? 

Emilia. And die together. 

Gladys. But Richard— 

Emiia. Never let me hear his name again. Gladys, I have his picture 
ai I'ome — and do you know what I shall do with it. 

Gl.vdys. No. 

Emilia. I shall give it to the cook. Yes, and I shall have her paste it 
in the receipt-book among the muffins, where it belongs. 

Noise of slamming doors, without. 
Oh — gracious! 

Jbkyll. [Without.) 'Ello! James! Mr. Wyncot! 'EUo! 
Enter rapidly, Jekyll, followed by Job, door, o. 

Emilia. Why it is Papa! 

Jekyll. {Git cling about the room.) Mr. Wyncot ! Where is he? — Where 
is he? Where is he? Where is he? 

Emilia. But Papa — 

Jekyll. Mr. Wyncot— where is he. 

Emilia. Mr. Wyncot - 

Gladys. In the library. 

Jekyll. 'EUo! {Circling about.) And where is the library? 

Gladys. {Springing to door, l.) Here! 

Emilia But what in the name of goodness — 

Gladys. Is the house on fire? 

Jekyll. {Pounding at door l.) 'Ello! 'Ellol 'EUo! 

Wyncot. {Appearing at door) What now? 

Jekyll. (.Falling back.) Oh, bless my 'eart, Mr. Job! {To Wyncot.) 
Well, sir! AVell, sir! ' Ere you are, sir! 



Hemilia, don't answer, but speak? 



WvNCoT. Aad hereyoM are, it seems. 

Jekyll. Hexciied? 

Wyncot. And what is the occasion? 



You are excited Mr. Jekyll. 



34 

Jekyll. The hoccasion? \Giving his hat to Job.) 'Old this, Mr. Job — 
old this. Well, sir— 

Wyncot. Well, sir? 

JekyiiL. Well, sir! We 'ave delivered your hovertures to the men. 

Wyncot. Ah. you have? 

Jekyll. We 'ave, sir. 

Wyncot. Tuank you. And is that all ? 

Jekyll. 'All?" Well, sir — as you shall 'ear, sir — scarcely. For they 
ive rejected them — kin toto! 

Wyncot. Is it possible? 

Jekyll. Hin toto! And what is more, sir — 

Job. Yes, sir — 

Jekyll. {Getting in front -of Job.) Hexcuse me — and what is more, 
ir, they 'ave procured the hanvils, from the shops — 

Job. And tlie blasting powder — 

Jekyll. Hexcuse me— 

Wyncot. What! They would bombard us? 

Jekyll. Worse! 

Job. And at noon, sir — 

Jekyll. 'Igh noon, exactly, a signal will be fired, to announce that the 
:.rike 'as begun. 

Wyncot. So? 

Jekyll. Just so. 

Job. Quite so, sir. 

Jekyll. And then, sir, and thereupon, every 'and employed on the 
pemises will himmediately join the league. 
I Wyncot. This time you astound me. 
i .Jekyll. It is to be 'oped so. 

Wyncot. {Conmlting watch.) And all this is to take place- - 

.Jekyll. {Consulting watch.) Hin five minutes to a dot. 

Wyncot.. Pardon me. You said at noon? 

Jekyll. Hi did, sir. 

Wyncot. In ten minutes, then. 

Jekyll. Hin five, sir. 

Wyncot. But you will allow me to know the time by my own watch? 

Jekyll. (Amazed. Your watch, sir? 

Wyncot. For it is not in the habit of deceiving me. 

Jekyll. And is this a time — but hobserve me. I 'ave borne with this 
lin Jiflference. and I 'ave endeavored to excuse it. But patience 'as its 
imits. Slight now my hadmonitions— persist in your 'eadstrong career, 
.nd I wash my 'ands of the entire haffair, presently, at once, and forever! 
] Wyncot. So? This is your ultimatum, Mr. Jekyll? {Taking his arm.) 
A.nd you would desert me, in my extremity? 

Jekyll. "Desert." bir? But who can assist a man, who will not assist 
'imself? 

Wyncot. True, Mr. Jekyll, true! And as I had anticipated something 



Jekyll pitfs up with aslonishmeni. 



of this sort, I have endeavored lo provide against if. Observe m/t now, 
Mr. Jekyll. [Opens door, l.) Mr. Jocelyn, will you step this way? 

Jekyll. Jocelyn! Jocelyn! 

Wyncot. Precisely. 

Enter lUchard, door^ l. 

Mr. Jocelyn, this is Mr. Jekyll. 

Richard boivs distantli/. 

All, you have met before? 
KiCHARD Occasionally. 
Jkkyll. What sir! You 'ere? 

Wyncot Let me speak. Mr. Jekyll. Mr. Jocelyn, we have arrived at 
a crisis Mr. Jekyil is displeased with my methods. [To Jekyll.) Or did 
1 correctly understand you? 
Jekyll. Ha, sir — well, sir — 

Wyncot. I did. [To Richard.) He therefore resigns his position, as 
my agent, and legal adviser. Will you, Mr. Joeelyn, accept that position? 
Richard. Mr. Wyncot, with thanks. 
Wyncot. It is yours. 
Jekyll. Ho, sir — but, sir — hexcuse me — 
Wykoot. One moment my dear JeUyll — 
Jekyll. But. sir— my clerk, sir! 
Wyncot. Your clerk, sir? 

Jekyll. Why I discharged 'im honly this morning. 
Wyncot. Then how can he be your clerk, sir? 
Jektij,. Ho, bless my 'eart, sirl But sir — 

Wyncot. Observe me — I must insist. Still further — the books of the 
estate have been for a long time unbalanced. Now, Mr. Jekyll, naturally 
desires, that they should be at once inspected. [To Jekyll.) Or did I cor- 
rectly understand you? 
Jekyll. Ho, s'r — 

Wyncoi-. I did. Mr. Jocelyn — will you inspect those books? 
Jekyll. No, sir! No, sir! Hi protest, sir. 
Wyncot. You protest, Mr. Jekyll? 
Jekyll. For I 'ave not resigned. 
Wyncot. What? 

Jekyll. No, sir. Nor 'ave I thought of it. 
Wyncot. Pardon me — 

Jekyll. Hi appeal to Mr. Job, sir — yes, sir — 
Wyncot. But I certainly so understood you. 

Jekyll. And further, concerning the books, sir — I 'ave not desired — 
Wynoot. What? 

Jekyll. No, sir— Or 'ave not expressed — 
Wynoot. Mr. Jekyll. 

Jekyll. But hexcuse me — on the contrary — no, sir. Hi appeal to Mr 
Job, sir. No, sir. 

Wynoot. But excuse me, my dear Mr. Jekyll. 



86 

Jekyll. ( Wildly gesliculatiny.) But you see, sir- you see, sir — you 

see — 

Explosion, without. Fame. All save Wyncot, and Jocelyn^in const.ernalion.) 

VVyncot. No- I do wo< see. But I hear. 

Emilia. [Faintly.) Papa! 

Wynodt. { Looking a.i watch ) And upcn my life you are right. 

Jbkyll. ( Wtth reviving hope.) Ha— well, sir? 

Wynoot. I am five minutes slow. 

Jekyll. Mr. Job! [Falls into Job's arms.) 

Wyncot. Mr. Jocelyn, the campaign is begun. 
Emilia springs toward Jekyll — is restrained by Gladys. Buttons thrusts in his 

head at door, o 

Picture. — Curtain. 



ACT III, 



SoENK. — A private park. Set trees, at intervals. Rising ground at back, from 
which descends a winding path, leading from l. u. e., <o r. 1. e. It is screen- 
ed from L. u. E., to c., by evergreens, and at E. o. front, crosses a brook, by 
a bridge, with single hand-rail. Summer-house, enclosed, with door facing 
audience at l. o. front. 

Gladys and Emilia discovered, pausing in descent of path. 
Gladys. Can you see no one? 
Emilia. No . 
Gladys. But look. 

Emilia. At what? Gladys — you are not afraid? 
Gladys. [Advancing.) Come on. [Pauses.) 
Emilia. Gladys — 
Gladys. Listen. 
Emilia. But listen to what? 
Gladys. Nothing. 
Emilia. Oh dear — 
Gladys. But listen. 

Emilia. You will have me frightened soon. 
Gladys. Come on. [Advances.) Where shall we sit? 
Emilia. Well, why not here? 
Gladys. If you like. 

Emilia. Oh, but stop. See if there is not an ant-heap. 
Gladys. No, I can't discover any. [Sits on bank, l. o. front.) 
Emilia. [Sits beside Gladys.) There! 
Gladys. Well? 
Emilia Now what will he say? , 



Gladys. 

Emilia.. 

Gla- Y3. 

Emtlia. 

Gladys. 

Emilia. 

Gladys. 

Emilia. 

Gladys. 

Emilia. 

Gladys. 

Emilia. 



37 

But perhaps lie will never learn that we have disobeyed him. 
Don't disturb yourself. 

You think he will? 
Probably. If I have to tell him myself. 

Oh — But you are more afraid than I am, Emilia. 



Look! No — it is only a tree. 
Then why do you act s'>? 
But it might have been something else, 
indeed Gladys, I halt believe you are pretending. 
Pretending? 

Yes. Everybody calls you nervous. But do you know what 
Richard says of nervous people? 
Gladys. Oh - -Richard! 

Emilia. Well, he says that nervous people are those who are hard on 
other pi'ople's nerves. 

Gladys. Listen! This time I do hear something. 
Enter Buttons at back, on path. He peers about him — then above him into the 
trees. 
Gladys. Buttons! 
Emilia. That horrid boy! 
Buttons. (With, disappointment.) Humph! 
Gladys. Be still. He doesn't see us. 
Buttons slowly d'iscmds path, pauses; turns completely about, peering into the 
trees. 
Emilia. ( Who sits with her back toward Bu'tons.) What is he doing now? 
Gladys. Be still. 

Buttons. ( With increased disappointment.) Humph! (Advances again; 
pauses; turns as before.) 

Emilia. Gladys, I must see. (Buttons turns at sound of her voice.) 
There! You have done it. 
( With satisfaction — seeinq the girls) Humphl 
(Springing up.) You detestable young spy! Gladys, this is 



Gladys. 
Buttons. 
Emilia. 
awful. 
Gladys. 



I expected it. 

Buttons sits on rail of bridge. 
Look! He is actually sitting down. ( To Buttons.) And 
you propose to stay here? 
Buttons. Yes'm. 

Then, Gladys, we will go. 
No, we wont. 
We wont? And why not? 

{In loio tone) Because this time I have an idea. Sit down. 
And what good will that do? {Reseating herself.) 
You will see. In a very short time he will get hungry. 
Oh— 

And then we shall lose him. 
Gladys, I shouldn't have thought of it. 



Emilia. 



I'.MILIA. 

Gladys , 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 



do 



38 

Gladys. Pretend not to notice him. {Raising her voice,) Emilia' did 
jou bring your work, [Takei fanci/ work from her pocket.) 

Emilia. Oh, yes. And you? {Also takes nvl fancy work.) 

Gladys. Yes What a delightful day! 

Emilia. Oh, delightful ! And how very kind in Mr. Wyncot to send 
Buttons to protect us.' 

Gladys. Oh, very kind! 

[Button sighs. Gladys lowers her voice.) 
Do you hear? He sigi'.s. That is the first symptom. Don't turn your 
head. 

Emilia. No. (In loude- tone.) But Gladys, don't you fancy it must 
be very near time for Mrs. Pringle's after-noou luncheon? 

Gladys. Oh. very near it. 

Emilia. And how stupid that we didn't think of bringing a sandwich 
with us! 

Gladys. Why, to be sure! {In lower tones.) That's right. Keep on 
talking. Dou't turn your head. {Louder.) Or one of those delicious 
plum-cakes, that Buttons is so fond of I 

During the above speech. Buttons, unseen }>y the girls, has drawn from his pockets 
first a sa7idwich and then a cake. 

Emilia. Oh, don't speak of it. {Fn lower tones.) What is he doing 
now? 

Gladys Never mind liim. 

Emilia. Look across my slioulder. 

Gladys. {Looking.) Oh! 

Emilia. {Turns and looks.) Gladys, this is too much. 

Gladys. But only see! 
Buttons continues to unload his pockets of a store of eatables, which he piles on 
his lap.. 

Emilia In the name of goodness! Where does it all come from? 

Gladys. And where is it all going to? 

Emilia. {Rising.) Gladys, do you think he could be coaxed? 

Gladys. You might try it, Emilia. 

Emilia. He looks as though he might. Buttons! {Louder.) Buttons! 

Buttons. {Rating.) Yes'm. 

Emilia. Are you so very angry with me? 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. But you know that if I did call you names, it was only in fun 
— don't you? 

Buttons. Yes'm. , 

Emilia. I thought so. And besides if you don't like me, you are fond 
of your mistress, aren't you! 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. And you would be glad to please her, wouldn't you? 

Buttons. Yes'm. 



39 

Emilia.. Gladys, he is not so bad after nil. [To Bullom.) Then, if she 
were to ask you to go away an;! leave us, you would go wouldn't youf 

Buttons. [In same tone as before.) No'm. (Continues to eat.^ 

Gladys. Emilia, it is not worth the while. 

Emilia. There is yet one chance. (Takex coin /mm her pocket..} Buttons! 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. Do you see this, (flolds up coin.) 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. And do you know what it is? 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. What is it? 

Buttons. A bob 

Emilia. [With re-assuring glance at Gladys.) Ah — (To P.utton.-<.) And 
would you like to have it? 

BuTl^>^s. Yes'm. 

Emilia Well there is just one way in which you can o;ei it. 

Buttons. I'^es'm. 

Emilia. If you will promise to go straight away, and leave us, it is 
yours. 

Buttons. ( Extending his hand.) Tliiiiikee, M'm. 

Emilia. You see, Gladys. {To Buttons.) But you actually promise? 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia. Pon honor? 

Buttons. Yes'm. 

Emilia .\nd you will not come back to trouble us? 

Buttons. No'm. 

Emilia. Hold out your hand. {Buttons complies.) There! {/^uti coin 
in his hand.) Well? 

Buttons. Thankee, M'm. (Continues to eat) 

Emilia. But aren't you going? 

Buttons. No'm. 

Emilia You nre not? 

Buttons. No'm. 

Gladys rises. 

Emilia. (Excitedly.) Gladys, don't speak. (To Bulton.".) And didn'i 
you just promise me that you would ? 

Buttons. Y^es'm. 

Emilia. Upon your honor? 

Buttons. Y'es'm. 

Emilia. And so when you made that promise, ,vou told a horrid, wilful 
wicked, deliberate lie, dil you? 

Buttons. (Unmoved.) Yes'm. 

•Emilia. You young monster! (Pushes him suddenly hackward, from tht 
rail.) 

Gladys. (With shriek.) Oh — Emilia you have drowned him. 

Emilia. Gladys, I don't care. 



40 

Buttons is heard Kplnnhiny, and spluttering in the water. 

Gladys Listen! Oh! 

Emilia. {Restraining her.) Don't go near him, 

Gladys. Listen! 

Bttton!?. {^till out of sight.) Mama! 

Emilia. He lives. 

Buttons. [Clamheriiig up the bank.) Mama! {He rushes off, up path, 
his II rms spread.) Mama! Mama! Mama! {Exit, is. u. e.) 

Emilia. [Clapping her hands.) You see Gladys, some things can be done 
as well as olher-s. {She and Gladys embrace.) 

Gladxs. Oh.' But listen! 

Emilia. To what? Now don't begin again. 

Glai>ys. Bu« if he shouli tell? 

Emilia. Well? What of it? 

Gladys. Oh- nothing . 

Emilia. Who cares? 

Gladys. Not I. 

Emilia. Well then? You don't think of leaving. 

Gladys. [Resenting the question.) No! 

Emilia. I should hope not. 

[They seat themselves as before.) 

The odious little liar! AVhat were boys made for, anyhow? 
Gla- YS. I give it up. 

See how he has splashed my dress! 
But he will be sure to tell. 

[Exasperated.) Well I hope to goodness, that he will. 
You do? 
Yes, and that Mr. Wyncot will come himself — if only to satisfy 



Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
you. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Glady^ 
Emili^ 
Gladys. 



Emilia — 

AVell if certainly has that appearance — 

What appearance? 

And you know you said, this morning — 

Well, what did I say? 

Well- 
Well, I'll tell you. I said: If Mr. Wyncot wishes to follow us, 
himself, he is at liberty to do so. 
Emilia. Oh!. 

Gladys. And I distinctly remember that I thought he heard me. 
Emilia. Why what a remarkable memory you must have! 
Glady.s. Well, I can remember that long. 
Emilia. But it doesn't seemingly matter much — to him- 
Gladys. ( With sigh.) No. 



41 

Emilia. For he appears to get along just the same — in spite of us both. 

Gladys. Yes. He does. 

Emilia. And then the idea— that Richard should take him up! 

Gladys. Richard? 

Emilia. Yes. Just as Papa had dropped him. 

Gladys Oh, that's very good Emilia. 

Emilia. What's very good? 

Gladys. "Tliat Richard should take him up." 

Emilia. Well, what else would you call it? 

Gladys. Take up Mr. Wyncot? 

Emilia Well? 

Gladys. But do you think he will take him very far? 

Emilia. And why not! 

Gladys. Richard ? 

Emilia. Yes. 

Gladys. Well, you know Emilia, you have said, yourself, that he is a 
muffin. 

Emilia. Who? I ? 

Gladys. Yes. 

Emilia. Said that of Richard? When? 

Gladys. Why this very morning. What a remarkable forgettery you 
must have! 

Emilia. [Risi7iff.) Gladys — 

GLADYS. And then epeaking of your I'apa. — it is all v- ry well to talk of 
his having dropped Mr. Wyncot; but it was plain to be seen that he was the 
person dropped. 

Emilia. Who? Papa? 

Gladys. And that he was very much surprised — and not at all delight- 
ed, either. 

Emilia. Gladys, I must say, when you wish to be agreeable, you can be 
the most agrecaWe young lady I have ever met. 

Gladys. Well, you needn't get angry about it, Emilia. 

Emilia. And who is getting angry, I should like to know? 

Gladys. Well, you certainly lave that appearance; and you know it 
doesn't become you. And, besides, your hat is on crooked, and your hair 
is coming down. 

Emilia. Oh! [Turns, and marchos swiftly, up path.) 

Gladys. Good-bye, if you are going. She wont go far. 

Exit Emilia. 

En>ilia! — You have forgotten your work. [Rises — looks after her.) Why 
she has gone — Let her go, then. She'll ask my pardon before she goes to 
bed. She always does. But this time, I don't know that I shall forgive 
her. [Nervously-looking hbout her.) Really, I almost wish — 
Wyncot steps into view, from behind screen of evergreens, on path. He is in rid- 
ing-costume; in one hand a short horseman' s whip ; in the other a lighted 
cigarette. 
Gladys. [Seeing Wyncot, starts — with confusion.) Oh! 



42 



Wyncot. Miss Wyucot. You are ready I trust, to follow your friend? 

Gladys. [Tarns from him mdiinantb/, pauses a moment — then seats herself 
as boforc- ) 

Wyncot. No? — Sorry. [Comes down slotob/.) So, you have chosen, it. 
seems, to disregard my — suggestion? Yes. Enjoying yourself — apparently. 

Gladys. (Glances allilm inth incnasing indignalton — uf/ain /ookx aiva;/.) 

AVyncot. In fact— Miss Wyncot — yon fjen'.rallii do about as you please 
don't you? — As I fancied. --Pleasant spot, this. Bugs rather numerous, I 
suspect — and — grasshoppers. But on the whole, a rather pleasant spot. 
Still, Miss Wyncot, if Iliad asked you to come, isn't it probable that I 
should have found you in the drawing-room? i^tuiie likely. — Pardon m-! 
[CarcfuUii picking an object frow the rim of Gladys' hat.) Only a caterpillar — 

Gladys. (Starts — 'oith slight scream,.) Oh! 

AVyncot. Don't alarm yourself. But on the whole a rather pleasant 
spot. — Quiet, too. And that is a consideration. Now it was different, I 
daresny, before Miss .Tekyll left. Ah — no doubt. Fine girl — Miss .Jekyll. 



lention it — do you know, Miss 



— But I perceive, Miss 
And if I have? Does 



Wyn- 
t fol- 



But, l.y-the-by — though perhaps I shouldn't ] 
Wyncot what she says of you? 

Gladys. {Timing quickh/.) No—? 

Wy-NCot. Ah — you don't? — Neither do I. 
cot. that, at least, you have a voice. 

Gladys. ( Unable longer to restrain herself. 
low that I must use it, when you are about? 

WynooT. Oh, certainly no. 

Gladys. Or perhaps yuu imagine that it isJMiss Jekyll only, who can say 
bitter things? 

AVyscot. Oh, on the contrarv^, Miss Wyncot. I have a suspicion that 
you can be much more severe than Miss jekyll — when you try. And sup- 
pose you try. 

Gladys. Humph! It would please you too well. 

Wyncot. Ah! And you don't wish to please me? True! I should have 
thought of that. You dou^t object to criticism? 

Gladys. Oh, sir — 

Wyncot. For you are probably accustomed to it? Yes. And you have 
been told, I presume, that in all your characteristics, you are naturally 
and essentially a coquette? 

Gladys. Sir? 

Wyncot. Well. I take it for granted. 

Gladys. You take a great many things for granted. 

Wyncot. Still, if you will reflect — 

Gladys. Ni. sir I have never been told it, 

Wy'ncot. Ah? 

Gladys. At least uever before. 

Wyncot- TJien you must feel very grateful to uio. 

Gladys. And for what? 

Wyncot Well it is something that every young lady likes to hear — even 
■when it is not true. 

Gladys And you have said it, no doubt, to many? 



43 

Wyncot. Quite a number. Quite a number. But never before, I aH- 
sure you, with such an absolute conviction of my own truthfulness. 

Gladys. Oh! And ikul you expect me to believe? 

Wyncot. Well, I am not over-confident. And you have also been told 
— I venture to sny — that you are not handsome. 

Glad-xs. {Aside.) Well, really! 

Wyncot. That, too, is an assumption. Still, if you will reflect — 

Gladys Well, yes, sir. I have been told that. 

Wyncot. Yes- I was not mistaken It is a remarii frequently made, 
to ladies of your sort — by — ladies of the other sort. — In a friendly way. 
However it gives you but little uneasiness, since you are tolerably well as- 
sured thfit tliere is a quality more destructive than mere beauty — that if, 
for example, you and the most strictly and regultrly beautiful of nil your 
female critics, were to be walking up the street this morniag, on opposite 
sides, and I — for ex;unple — were to be in the middle, the chances would all 
be in favor of my gravitating to your side. 

Gladys. Oh! Truly? In Which case, / should immediately cross to 
the otiier. 

WyncoT- Ah? — Oh yes. Precisely. In the hope that I might follow. 
Quite characteristic. 

Gladys. [Jlisinff anr/iih/.) Sir — 

Wyncot. [Quickly.) 1 beg your pardon. You have at length conclud- 
ed to go ? 

Gladys. And what can it mntter to you? 

Wyncot. Ah, true! - -But permit me to advise then that we stroll toward 
the house. Indeed, I was on the point of suggesting it. 

Gladys. Oh! You were? 

Wyncot. And we can then continue this charming conversation, en 
route. 

Gladys. And do yoM expect to accompany me? 

Wyncot. My dear Miss Wyncot, you certainly do not expect to go un- 
accompanied. 

Gladys. And why not? — may I ask? 

Wyncot. You insist upon a reason ? 

Gladys. I do. 

Wyncot. I might give you several. 

Gladys. But give me one — worth the hearing. 

Wyncot. Well — the path is somewhat lonely — 

Gladys. {Scornfully.) Oh! 

Wyncot. And there ai-e parties in the neighborhood, who, for lack of 
other employment, have been drinking somewhat deeply, during the day. 
Now 1 do not assert that you would be in danger of serious molestation — 

Gladys. No — 

Wyncot. But all things considered — 

Gladys. All things considered, you thinic it a sufficient excuse for an 
attempt to frighten me 

Wyncot. You are severe. 

Gladys. But do you really suppose that I am so very timorous? 



44 

Wyncot. No — Oh no! But, unluckily, Miss Wyncot, / am. I beg, 
therefore, that you will not leave me without an escort. Well ? Shall we go? 

Gladys. {After pause — tiirym again, and defiantly resumes her seat.) 

Wynoot. ( With disappointment.) No? — Then, of course, we remain. 

Gladys. We'i 

Wynoot. Well, I can see no help for it. For you can scarcely expect 
me to carry you. 

Gladys Indeed, no! 

Wtncot. Nc. Not upon such short acquaintance. 

Gladys. [Aside.) I sAaW say somethino;, soon. 

Wyncot. [Lightinj a fresh cigarette.) And so— to return to our subject. 
Let us glance, now, at your faults. 

Gladys. Oh — then you have not yet alluded to my fauKs? 

Wynoot. Well — only indirectly. For coquetry — naturalAxiA involuntary 
coquetry, such as yours — is not perhaps so much a fault, as — 

Gladys. A misfortune. 

Wyncot. Precisely. It is like!y to prove so — to some-one. At all 
events, it is not, iii itself, your most serious failing. 

Gladys. I am sorry to hear it. 

Wyncot. I am sorry to say ii. Yes. 

Gladys. Arfd you are now about to name the ''most serious? " 

Wyncot. If I may take the liberty. You will not think me presumptu- 
ous — 

Wyncot. To comment upon you, fhus freely, having known you but 
such a bi"ief time. You will understand — I may wish to retract all this. 

Gladys. {Aside.) I shall take care that you do. 

Wyncot. But I give you the thought as il occurs to me. And I fear, 
Miss Wyncot — I very much fear that yo»i are of too mild a disposition. 

Gladys. "Mild?'" 

Wyncot. Too yielding— too anxious to please — too thoughtful of the 
interests, and feelings of others— too easily influenced, and controlled. 

G-LADTS. Oh, sir, now I know that you are speaking sai-castically. 

Wyncot. Ah! You recognize that fact? Yes. Yes, I was. 
( Gladys turns aivay ) 
That was intended for sarcasm. Rather a feeble effort. 

Gladys. Very! And I am so fond of sarcasm. 

Wyncot. So ? 

Gladys. Of the harmless kind. 

Wynoot. Ah! — That, too, is rather feeble. And speaking of fondness 
- sarcasm apart--I am forcibly reminded of another of your serious fail- 
ings 

Gladys. {Looks toward him quickly.) 

Wynoot. Keep your seat. — For I very much doubt your ability to de- 
termine just what or whom you are fond of. 

Gladys. ( Rising with extreme anger. ) Mr. Wyncot ! 

WxNCOT. Now this, while a failing, is, at the same time, I admit, a 
charm — since it invests you with a sort of delightful uncertainty — 

Gladys. Oh, thanks! 



45 

Wyncot. And if now you should ever marry — which is, of course, not 
iinposiljie— 

Gi,ADY8. Really — 

Wtncot. No, not impossible — but if you should, and could be fortun- 
ate enough to secure some one resembling yourself — in this particular — a 
sort of kaleidoscope, you understand — you might then keep each other so 
cnstantly employe 1 in endeavoring to follow and compreliend each other's 
metamorphoses, that outsiders might hope to escape. 

6i,adys. And this is your estimate of me? 

Wyncot- Well, partially. With certain extenuating qualifications 

Gladys. Pnvy spare me the qualifications. And now, sir. let me tell 
you — though 1 should be ashamed to reply to such impertinence— but let 
me tell you that m attempting to satirize me, you have simply drawn your 
own portrait. 

Wynoot. Miss Wyncot! — Then you too have been studying — 

Gladys. Studying! As though it required stu iy to understand your 
chai-acter! You are, both liy Kuture, and long experience, a flirt. 

Wyncot. Oh — paidon me. 

Gladys. You Mre a tyrant — or would like to be — 

Wyncot. Come! Come! 

Gladys. And you are really fond of nothing — but yourself. And so, if 
you please, you will permit me to pass. {Going.) 

Wyncot. But stop, [titeps before her.) This time you are positively 
going? 

Gladys. Positively. 

Wyncot. And you forbid me to accompany you ? 

Gladys, Most decidedly. 

Wynoot. {Turning away.) Ah — I am sorry to disappoint you. 

Gladys. Sir? 

Wyncot. You would prefer, of course, that I should insist. But — 
thank you — no. 1 must ask to be excused. 

Gladys. {DisdainfuUy.) Good- day, sir. {Goes up stage..) 

Wyncot. Good-day. — There will be no objection to my following— at a 
respectful distance? 

She walks on. Wyncot leans against a tree, facing front. 

Gladys. {At mm of path.) Ah! {Stops suddenly — gazes of , i..) 
Wyncot. Well —what next? 
G\adys. a man! 
Wyncot. A man? Is he alive? 
Gladys. Oh, sir — 
Wyncot Well? 
Gladys. Another! 
Wyncot. That makes two. 
Gladys. But there are at least twenty. 
Wyncot. He multiplies rapidly. 

Gladys. And they are our own people —I know them by their dress. 
Oil, sir — {Returns toward Wyncot.) They are coming this way. 



46 

Wynoot. Well? 

Gladys. But what can they want ? 

Wyncot. My dear Miss Wyncot, I presume they want me. 

Gladys. You? 

Wyncot. Yes. I have been told that they have expressed an ardent 
desire for me: and it is not improbable that they have tracked me here, and 
propose to take advantage of the situation. 

Gladys And why didn't you tell me of this? 

Wyncot. Of what? That I am at odds with the men? But that you 
knew, as well as I. Or if you allude to your own liability to annoyance — 

Gladys. ( Covers her face with her hands. ) 

Wyncot. Ah. as you possibly remember — I did hint, vaguely, at S9me- 
thing of the sort. 

Gladys. But you can not imas^ine that fhey will harm us? 

Wyncot. [Tossing away cigarette.) Harm us— well, it is to be hoped not. 
We are i^ England — a civilized country. And upon our own ground. Still — 

An angry murmur of many voices, without. 

• 

So? It is perhaps more serious than I thought. Miss Wyncot I owe you 
an apology. I have loitered here, chatting with vou, when I should have 
been providing for your safety. I have humored your willfulness in deter- 
mining to remain, when I should have commanded, and enforced obedience. 
But it is too late to recall the error, let me endeavor to repair it. (Crosses 
toward summer-house.) Your presence is, in any event undesirable, and 
I must request that before you are discovered —if indeed you are not already 
disci,vered— you will take advantage of this place of concealment. (Opens 
door of summei -house.) 

Gladys. You are not deceiving me? 

Wyncot. ( With shrug of shoulders, j Instantly, I beg. 

Murmur without, louder. 

Gladys, i Crosses to summer-house. — Pauses.) Mr. Wyncot — 

Wyncot. Miss Wyncot — 

Gladys. If I have indeed been the cause of exposing you to danger, I 
am sorry. 

Wyncot. That atones for all. ^ 

Gladys. ( With sudden half.haughtiness. ) But I should be still more so, 
did 1 not know that by simply yielding to tne advice of your friends, and 
granting the demands which have been made upon you — 

Wyncot. Ah! 

Gladys. You may yet escape from all your difficulties, and insure, at 
the same time, my safety and vour own. 

Wyncot. Thank you. 

Gladys. And I cannot doubt that you will do so. {Exit into summer- 
house.) 



47 

Wynoot. [Closing the door.) Au revoir! "Prepare to receive infantry " 
, Enter, down path, Cragiii, and a crowd of followers, in workmen' it dress. 

The Crowd. Doon wi' him! Doon wi' him. There he bea. 

Ckagin. [RestraininQ them.) Hold a bit mates — let me talk. [To Wyn- 
cot.) Well, my dnndy pal ! 

Wyncot. Gentlemen, we meet. 

Chagin. We do. And per'aps, sir, in your opinion this is another 
occasion for takin' oif hats. 

Wyncot. It may come to that. 

CiMGiN. It may. But listen, now *o a few wery plain remarks. We've 
considered, sir, your oflFers of agreement — 

Wynoot. Ye». 

Ckaoin. And they don't strike us favorable. Eh, mates? 

Thb Ckowd. No! 

Ckagin. And the question for discussion is this : Which of us now is 
likely to reconsider? 

Wyncot. Precisely. That is the question. 

Cragin. {holding his <irms ) As I take it. 

Wyncot. But you will allow mc to speak? 

Ceagin. Why, if it's (o the point. 

Wyncot. Rest assured. Ii shall be to the point, 1 promise yoa. Thank 
you. And now my friends — 

Cragin. Ho! hoi — //is friends! 

The Crowd. Ho! Ho! 

Wyncot. Nevertheless you are Englishmen, and you will hear me. 1 
have already notified you that in the most important particular, your re- 
quests have been complied with. The wages have been advanced, to a 
higher rate than is elsewhere paid in the Shire. 

Ckagin And who, sir, is talkin' of wages? 

Wyncot. I am. And I ask to be heard. 

First Laborer. Aye! Gi' him his say. Gi' him his say. 

Wyncot. Thank you, my good fellow, thank you. The wages have been 
advanced. You have received more than you expected. And yet you are 
not saiisfiod V 

Cragin. No. 

Wyncot. I am not addressing you. But you my men, who have wives 
and children, having secured their comfort, you would hazard it again — 
and all for what? That this man who has come among you l>ut so lately, 
who speaks in a fashion to which you are strangers, and 
who is evidently new to his trade, ma^r be placed above you as Over- 
man. 

Cragin. " New " is it, eh? 

Wyncot. But answer me. This is your demand? 

Cragin. [To tht others.) Well, answer him. 

The Crowd. (SuUen/g.) Aye! Aye! 

Cragin. As you hear 'em! 

Wynoot. Very good! I must now ask you to read with me this hand- 
bill. { Taking hund-bill from his pocket.) 



48 

Cragin. Wof. sir? 

Wyncot. It is somewhat aged, as you perceive, but I believe we may 
find it interesting. 

Craqin. Gammon! 

Wyncot. My men, shall I be heard? 

FiR>T Laborer. Aye, gi' him his say. 

Wyncot. Thank you again, my good fellow. Pay attention. (Reads.) 
"Escaped, from Pentonvillc" — 

(^'ragin. Wliy, wots all this? 

Wyncot Have paiience. (fteads.) "Escaped from Peutonville, en the 
night oC March 11th, a convict" — 

Ckagin. Bah! 

Wyncot. "A convict, awaiting transportation for life. Known by many 
aliases, and doscri'ied as follows — to-wit : Height medium" — 

CkA(iin. [Gbirinn at Wj/iicot, makes a forward movement.) 

Wyncot. Standfast! [Reads.) '-Height, medium." [Surveymg Cragin, 
from, head to font.) 

Cragin. Well, sir, wot of it? "Heiglit medium! " 

Wyncot. {h'ea<h.) "Hair, black." 

Cragin. (Mockingly.) "Hair, black! " 

WynooT. (Heads.) -'Eyes, gray" — 

Cragin. Well here you liave 'em, by the dozen. ( With gesture totoard the 
croivd.) Height, medium — hair, black — eyes, gray. 

Wyncot. [Rends.) "And"— last but by no means, least — "on the right 
shoulder, undtr the shirt, tattooed in blue and rcil, a gallows with swing- 
ing noose.'' — Cragin, you wear that mark. 

Cragin". You lie. 

Wyncot. You wear it. It was chance that you gave me the clue; but 
on that chance I will wager all that I own. And look now, you that are 
hone.st men, while I show you the man whom you would have had for mas- 
ter. ( Tvrns upon Cragin.) 

Cragin. Wot? — You fool. (Springs savagely at Wyncot.) 
The two grapple in a fierce but short struggle. 
Gladys appears at door af summer-house. 

Wyncot. (Hurling Cragin to the earth.) Lie there! (Tears th", shirt from 
his shoulder, exposing the mark which he strikes with his hand) Look! Look! 
all you that doubt. 

The crotud press forward to see. 

Thk Crowd- 'Tisso! 'Tis so! Hurrah for the measter! 

Wyncot. (Durling Cragin i,.) Now, go! 
Gladys springs toward Wyncot. as though to congratulate him. She suddenly 
pauses, and casts down her face. 
Picture. — Curtain. 



49 



Time, night. Chan- 



ACT IV. 

SoENK. — Drawing-room, Wyneot Lodge — as in act 2. 
delier and candelabras lighted. 

Enter at curtain, Emilia, followed by James. 
Emilia No thank you. But wait. She is in her room? 
James- Yes, Miss. 

Emilia. And she is very much prostrated? 
James Yes, Miss. But I dare say. Miss, you may see her. 
Emilia. Thunk you — uo. But wait. 
James. Yes, Miss. 

Emilia. James — you may tell her — no— Yes, you may tell her — ^ths^ 
Miss Jekyll is here to inquire after her health. 
James. Yes, Miss. 

Emilia. You may tell her that. But nothing more, 
James. No, Miss. 

Emilia. And then, if she likes — but that is all. 
James. Yes Miss. 
Emilia. Be quick, if you please. 

Exit James, door, e. 
And perhaps a deal (oo much. For it is certainly not my place. And if it 
were not for what has happened; and the fact thai she has been punished, 
and has bad time to be sorry — 

Enter James, door, E. 
Emilia. James — 

James I beg pardon. Miss. She is just coming down. 
Emilia. Oh! 

Enter Gladys, door, e. She wears robe-de-chambre. 
Gladys. Emilia! 

After the first glance, the two girls turn from each other. 
James bows himself out of door, o. 



Emilia. Gladys? 



50 
The girls again face each otht 

They rush into each others emhr 



Gladys. 
Kmilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 

G'.ADYS. 

Emilia. 
And DOW— 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia 
Gladys. 
Emilia 
Gladys. 



Now don't say a word about it. 
No. Bui yen do forgive me? 

Forgive you? 

And what a fright you must have had? 

Well, perhaps — for once. 

Yes. For once you were not pretending. {Sits, r. c.,. front.) 
tell me. 

( Silling beside Emilia.) What? 
Why, everything. 

And didn't I just ask you not to mention it? 
Oil — I thought you were speaking of something else. 

Besides, there is nothing to tell — 



N.: 



nmgr 



But what you have already heard. Mr. Wyncot had soit e 
trouble with the men. And I was there. And — I got away, as you see. 

Emilia. Gladys, wh:U a girl you are! 

Gladys. I knew you had heard it all. 

E.MiLiA. Why if 1 had had such an adventure it would have been my 
one consoiation to think that I could tell of it afterward. But one thing 
you must admit. 

Gladys. And what is that? 

Emilia. That wo m ide a mistaice. 

Gladys. In regard to what? 

Emilia. Well — in regard to Mr. Wyncot. 

Gladys Now Emilia — please. 

E.MILIA. But, it cannot be denied that he is not exactly what we thought 
him. 

Gladys. And if he isn't — is that any reason — Or perhaps you think 
Emilia, that i am so fickle in my opinions, that any little circumstance can 
change un? 

Emilia. Then you don't aJmire him? 

Gladys. (Rising.) Admire him? Emilia, I detest him all the more. 

Emilia. {Jnyfathi.) You du? 

Gladys. Afier having been deceived so shamefully? And if there is 
anything shat I detest it is deceit — and impertinence. What right had he 
to protect me -when he knew that I was in a position wh«re I could 
not refuse? 

(Rising.) Gladys, kiss me. 
But you don't ailmire him? 
Listen. It was my only fear that you might have changed your 



Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
mind. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 
Gladys. 
Emilia. 



Then it is agreed — 
That we treat him just as before. 

Oniy worse. 
Only worse. (They clasp hands.) 



51 

Gladys. And so much for Mr. Wyncot. Sit down. {They resume their 
sealK.) lUit how did you come? 

Emilia. With Papa, lie is outside now, in the moonlight, consulting 
with Mr. Job. Oh. they have had the dreadfuUest time! 

G[,.A^i)YS. And what nbout? 

Emilia. Wliy about the books. 

Gladys. Oh! 

Kmii.ia. Of the estate. 

Gladys. Yes. I know. 

Emilia. Papa didn't even come to dinner to-d.iy— and do you know 
wh:it he said, (fn half ivhiKper.) He said: ' Damn the books!" — wasn't 
it shocking? 

Gladys. Really, yes. 

Emilia. And then Mr. Job — , 

Sound of door opening and shutting without. 

But there — they are coming now ! 

Gladys. (Springing to her feet.) Ob — then I mustn't be seen. 

Emilia. "Why not? [liising.) 

Glalys. In this? [Indicating her rube.) 

Emilia But you are coming back? 

Gladys. Unless you are coming up. 

Emilia. N"t now. 

Gladys. In three minutes, then. [Kissing her.) 

Emilia. I must speak with Papa. — Good bye! 

Exit Gladys, door, r. 

And then there's a chance that it may not be Papa. Not that I care — par- 
ticularly -to meet the other. But if he should happen to be about — 

Enter Richard, door, o. 
And he happens. 

Riohard. Emilii! — Miss Jekyll! — why do you shun me thus? 

Emilia. Api-etty question, indeed ! 

Richard. A pertinent one, Emilia. Wherein have I offended? 

Emilia. {Scomfullg.) You?— 

RioiiAiiD. Well — yes. You have heard, Emilia, that the strike has 
been suiiimarily squelclied? 

Emilia. Oh, you would like to change the subject. 

RiCK.\Rn. And of the coup d'etat, if I may use the expression, by which 
this liappy result has been brought about? 

Emilia. Much you had to do with it. 

RiCHAiiD. Well, Emilia, Iwas simply beyond the hill. It was merely the 
risinLi; ground that intervened. 

Emilia. I'll warrant. 

Richard. Ami if Mr. \7yncot had only waited — 

Emilia. Yes — If he had- 

RiCHARD I should have got there — in time. But all this is nothing. 
Surprising though it may seem, all that Las occurred. Emilia, is as nothing 



52 

to that, wliich will follow. But these are professional secrets. Emilia, you 
have Miffercd yoursely to ossify your lieart ngainst me. 

Emilia. My heart is certainly hanlenetl. 

Richard. Ami ossification of the heart is a fatal disease. 

Emilia. It is? Well dont flatter youtself that I am thinking of dying. 

RiCHAun. No. Emilia I do not. I am aware that you are a long liver. 
But to approach the topic from another quarter — you imagine yerhaps, that 
I am elnterl with my pres^ent prosperity? 

Emtt.i a. I cannot imagine you a greater fool than before. 

Richard. Thanks! But could you know! J I and on breast.) Could you 
discern within! 

Emiua. Stuff! 

RiciiARn. "Stiiif ! " Unfeeling girl, perhaps within the hour, Olhello's 
occupation will begone. 

Emima. Then Mr. Wyncot has discharr ed you, too? 

RiciTVKD. "Discharged me, toot" 

Emit/. A. Well, you mean that, ir you mean anything. And serves you 
right ! When rcsues fall out, honest people may get their dues. 

RiciiARi). Emilii — 

Emifja Mi-s Jekyll, if you please! And f irther, Mr. Jocelyn, I must 
beg that hereafier, when you succeed in surprising me alone— 

RiCHAKD. Surprising you? 

Emilia. Yes, as on this occasion— you will pass quietly by, and spare 
mc the iiecessty of avoi-ling you. 

Richard. Emilia — 

Emilia. Miss Jekyll. if you please! 

RiOHAKD. Miss .Jekyll, then. You propose to pass judgment, without 
hearing the defense. 

Emilia The court has heard enough. 

ElCHAED. But the couit is in error. 

Emilia. And the defendant is in contempt. 

Richard. .Jesii'ig! And upun such a subject ! But it shall suffice. 

E.MILIA. It must. 

Richard. There are words — but I will not utter them. 

Kmilia. No. I advise ycu i>ot te. 

Richard For thougti Isliould speak till dooms-day, you would probab- 
ly be speakin"- the dny after. 

Emilia. You are right. 

Richard. I appeal t'lerefore to the arbitratim of time. 

Emilia. Sir. make it eternity, if you like. 

Richard {Uowmg.) .Just as you please, Miss Jekyll. 

Emilia. So be it then! 

Richard. So may it be! 
They turn in opp'isite directions, and go up stage — Richard to door, L., Emilia 
to door R. 

Emilia. {Turning taicard him.) Go to your Mr. Wyncot. 

Richard. (Turning.) I will. Go you to your .)/<«« Wyncot. 

Emilia I will. Mr. Jocelyn, a long good-evening! 



Richard. Miss Jekyll, ta-ta! 
Thry exeunt simultaneous^/. Richard i,., Emilia n. An instant after, Richard 

rhrustsin hi.i head. At the same instant Emilia's head appears. Both are 

hastili/ withdrawn Emilia's door slams; then, Richard's. 
Enter door, o., Jeki/ll, caiUioush/. lie c-iriies a huge ledqcr. Looking about 
him, he lays his finger on his nose, and speaks back through doer. 

Jekyll. Ha! The coast is clear. You may come in, Mr. Job. 
Enter Job, nervously. He also carries ledger. 

Job. Dear! dear! — sir — 

Jkkyll. Well, sir! And now, sir. It is hunderstood? 

Job. Why I trust, sir — 

Jekyll. Let me recapitulate. Firstly, the proper thing as I take it, is 
to hoff-r our congniuUxtions — "ui the 'appy termination of the strike. 

Job. Quite so, sir. 

Jekyj,l. Tijis will soften, as it wnre, the liasperity of the situation. See? 

Job. Ah! and then, sii? 

Jekyll. And then, Mr. Job, with a proper amount of haudacity, you 
must place your dependence hupon my natural sagacity. 

Job. Ah! 

Jekyll. Very good, sir. 

Enter, Wyncot followed by Richard, door, l. 

WyncoT- Gentlemen, good-evening. You are prompt. 

Jekyll. (Lofiily.) llii is our custom, sir. 

Wyncot. And you are prepare i, evidently, ir, report. 

Jekyi.l. We 'ave made some little preparation, sir. 

Wyncot. Thanks! 

Jekyll. Sir — on be'alf of myself, and colleague— 

Wyncot. Pardon me. {Strikes bell.) Before we begin — 

Jekyll. (A.-<ide.) There 'e goes again. 

{Enter Buttons, door, c.j 

Wync'it. Buttons! 

BuTTi INS. Yessir. 

AVyno )T. S ly to Miss Wyncot, that I respectfully ask to see her, as 
soon as convenient. 

Bi TToNS. Yess'r. 

Wyncot. You may go. 

( Exit Buttons, door, k. 
However we need not de'ay on that account. You were about to say — 

Jekyll. Hi, thankee, sir. I was about to say that we esteem it noi 
only a duty but a pleasure, to declare our gratification at the fortunate hout- 
coniP of your dillicuitie.s. 

AVyncot. You are verv kind. 

Jekyll. Hin extricating yourself - 

WynchT. Pardon mo — 

Jeicyll. Hin extricating yourself, from a position so embarassing, you 
'ave sh'.'wn sir — 



54 

Wtncot. Precisely! Thank you, my dear Mr. Jekyll. I can have no 
doubt of your high appreciation of iny conduct. But my native modesty — 
Pray, spare mo Enough, upon this point. And now, if you pleaso, concerning 
the hooks. 

Jekyll Ha — verv good, sir. The books! (Aside.) Bluffer number 
v>ne, Mr. .Job. (To Wj/ncot. Coacerning the books — as you say. Hexcuse 
me. sir — my very dear sir, hexcuse me, if I own to a feeling somewhat akin 
to delicacy in broacliing the subject, now to be considered. The l)ooks, sir 
— the books, as you be' old them (Fointin'f to the ledgers, lohich he and Job 
have deposited on table, i,. c. front.) though nnminallv under my charge, 
'ave been, sir, for months, in a lojation easy of haccess to a young man 
lately in my hcmploy. [Looking nard at Ricltard ) The full significance of 
this fact, I do not presume to state But they exhibit, sir, 'is 'and-writing, 
and they also exhibit — duty compels me to add — some slight hirregu- 
larities. 

Wyncot. Ah? 

Jekyll. Now I would not be understood as 'inting that these are the re- 
sults ot design Far from it- Rather would I regard them as mere hevi- 
dences of ne<!:ligence. But it is c rtainly to be regretted that they disturb 
the b:tlance, by some few pounds. 

Wyncot. So ? By some few pounds? 

Jkkyll. Well, by some few several pounds. • 

WynooT. S.ty, perhaps, fifty? 

Jkkyll. Or a 'undred. 

WyncoT- Or possibly two hundred? 

Jkkyll. Or two and twenty. 

Wyncot. Ah! 

Jekyll. Hinsisnificmt though the sum may he, the circumstance is, at 
least, iiunlortunite. But let us refrain from haspersions! "To err ia 
'uman, to forgive, divine !" {Stretching out his /lands toward Richard.) 

Wyncot. But gently, Mr. Jekyll. 

Jkkyll. Hexcu-e me, sir, once more. Shall a mere matter of some few 
several pounds be permitted to darken the career of a generally well-mean- 
ing and haspirinj; young man, whose greitost fault is per'aps 'is, lack of hin- 
telleci? No! On be'alf, sir, of mystdf and colleague, I 'ere ofi'or, as a sac» 
rifice to the best hiuterests of society, our joint note of 'and, for the 
hamount. 

Wyncot. Oh! And it is thus that you propose to settle it? 

JekylIj. Mr. Job? 

Job. Quite so, sir. 

Wyncot. And the entire deficit, you generously assume? 

Jekyll. {Bows.) 

Wy.vcot. i3ut the security? — Ah — to be surel Mr. Jobj becomes your 
security, and you become Mr. Jobs? 

Jekyll. Jointly, sir. 

WY^'COT. I perceive. — Well, Mr. Jocelyj, what say you? 



55 

Richard. (S//rugs //is shoulders.) 

Wyncot. You have no reply to make? 

Richard. None, sir. 

Wyncot. Quite right. From you, at all events no reply is required. 
And I must now inform you Mr'. Jekyll, that, however, much 1 might 
be disposed, personally, to accept this sacrifice, the affair is no longer 
under my control. 

Jekyll. {Anxiously.) 'Ow sir.? 

Wyncot. This, while apparently a paradox is readily explained. But 
the explanation, though simple, requires the presence of yet other wit- 
nesses. And, apropos, here are the ladies. 

Enter., Gladys, and Emilia, door, R. Gladys, in evening dress. 

Miss Wyncot, Miss Jekyll. You are quite in time. Pray be seated. 

Offers chairs, ivhicJi they accept. 

Job. {Nervously, to Jehyll) Mr. Jekyll — 

Jekyll. {Aside to Job.) Be quiet. Keep your 'ead, sir. 

Wyncot. Miss Wyncot, for again exercising my authority to the 
extent of requesting an interview, I must tender an excuse, which you 
will grant, I am sure, upon the hearing, to be good and sufficient. Mr. 
Jekyll has just accounted to me for his stewardship of the estate. It i.ow 
becomes my dut^^ to account to you. 

Gladys." {Asto7iished.) Tom'e, sir.? 

Wyncot. You are surpri.sed. I promise not to keep you long in 
suspense. And I beg, as an especial favor that you will, one and all, 
repress and postpone any expressions of astonishment or satisfaction 
that may occur to you, in connection with the information which I am 
about to give you, till aftfer the conclusion of my remarks. There will 
then be abundant opportunity for an interchance of sentiments — and I 
shall have been spared the interruptions. You will agree to this, I am 
sure 1 

Job. {Aside.) Mr. Jekyll. 

Jekyll. {Aside.) Keep your 'ead, sir. 

Wyncot. Thank you. You are very kind. At noon, to-day, Mr. 
Jocelyn entered my employ. The amount of labor which he has since 
performed, is certainly remarkable, and the extent of his discoveries, 
not less so. In assorting and arranging my late uncle's papers — at 
many of Avhich I had not even glanced — he has chanced upon one, at 
least, of very grave importance. In bringing it to light, he has sacri- 
ficed, virtually, the position which I had given him, and I trust Miss 
Wyncot, that you, to whose benefit this discovery inures, will see to it 
that he is not the loser by his faithfulness. {Holds tovjard Jekyll an open 
document, -^hich he has carried since entering, in his hand.) Mr. Jekyll, do 
you know this signature.? » 

Jekyll. {Inspecting the paper zvithout taking it .) Hi do, sir. 

Wyncot. And it is that of my late uncle.? 

Jekyll. Hit is, sir — if I ever saw it. 

Wyncot. That is quite sufficient.? The document to which it is 



56 

attached — and the body of which, you will observe, is in the same hand- 
writing—is, if not in form, at least in effect, a will. 

Jekyll. a will? 

Gladys. A will.' 

Wyncot. a will. It is of later date than that by which I inherit, 
and it confers upon you, Miss Wyncot, {Advuficiiig toivard fier,) the 
sum total of the property of which the testator died possessed. 

Gladys. (Rising, in agitation.) Mr. Wyncot! 

Wyncot. Pardon me! Still further. It leaves you free to select your 
own guardian, and I congratulate you, Miss Wyncot, and may also be 
allowed to congratulate myself, upon this happy release from a rela- 
tionship which was beginning to prove annoying to us both. 

Emilia. ( Who has also riseti — -ivildly.) Gladys. 

Jekyll. {Excitedly.) Well, sir — well, sir — 

Wyncot. One moment! Our little agreement — you will remember. 
Thanks ! Having passed from the position of inspector, I now ask to be 
inspected. Mr. Jocej'lon has prepared, at my request, a summarized re- 
port of my brief incumbency. [To Gladys. Will you kindly empower 
Mr. Jekyll to overlook that report.? 

Gladys. Oh, sir — 

Wyncot. {Co7istdting watch.) It is npw half-past eight. The Lon- 
don train is due at half-past nine. If within that time. Ah ! — You are 
more than kind. {Strikes bell.) But a few more words. Miss Wyncot, 
pray accept my apologies for my too great laxity of discipline. Miss 
Jekyll, if you should ever be in want of a guardian — though to be sure 
it is not likely. However, you have my address. [To Jekyll, and yob.) 
Gentlemen, for all your many kindnesses — the advice which I have re- 
ceived, and that which I have not received — I shall ever hold you in re- 
membrance. 

Enter Btittons, door, R. 

Buttons ! 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. Pack my portmanteau. 

Buttons. Yessir. 

Wyncot. And, if you like my service, prepare to accompany me. 

Buttons. Where to, sir.? 

Wyncot. To India. 

Buttons. Oh! S'elp me! 

Wyncot. Ladies — gentlemen — good evening! [Exit, door, l., leav- 
ing the -vjill on table.) 

Jekyll. {To Job.) Well, sir! Well, sir! Well, sir! 

Emilia. {Embracing Gladys. Oh, Gladys! 

Buttons. {Ruslmig out, door c. ) Mama ! 

Gladys. But can it be true, Mr. Jekyll.? 

Jekyll. True, Miss.? — True as preaching ! 'Ere you 'ave it! Look! 
[Holds uj> xvill — casts it again on table. ) 

Job. {To Jekyll.) And what is the proper thing, now sir.? 

Jekyll. The proper thing now, Mr. Job.? The proper thing now 
is to reassert our himportance. {To Richard.) Come along, young 
man. Come along. 



57 

Richard, But where shall we go? 
Gladys. Oh, anywhere! 
Emilia. So that you leave us alone. 
Richard. We might perhaps use the back-parlor.' 
Emilia. Or the kitchen — or the cellar — or the garrett. 
Jekyll. Ha! very well said Hemilia. 
Gladys. Yes, go, Mr. Jocelyn, go. 

Jekyll. Mr. job, sir, haccept my arm, sir. Hinspect.' Well, possi- 
bly ! — per'aps ! 

Exit door c. Richard^ follozved by Jekyll and "Job. 

Emilia. Gladys^-let me look at you. 

Gladys. Emilia — 

Emilia. It is like a scene from a play. Why you are positively cry- 
ing! 

Gladys. Crying.? 

Emilia. Yes you are. Gladys, — what ails you .? 

Gladys. {Pacing the floor.) Emilia — I believe that I am crazy. 

Emilia. Or are certainly going to be. Why I supposed that you 
would be wild with delight. 

Gladys. Delight! At what.' 

Emilia. At what.' 

Gladys. At being openly insulted.' At bsing treated as though I 
were a mere — 

Emilia. Well.' A mere heiress ? 

Gladys. Emilia, will you hold your tongue.' 

Emilia. Gladys — 

Gladys. Why it is as plain as day. He gives it to me. He simply 
wishes to get away. 

Emilia. Can you suspect^ 

Gladys. Suspect.' — Such a story! After your Papa had examined 
all the papers. 

Emilia. That is true. But Richard — 

Gladys. Well, couldn't Richard have been purchased.' 

Emilia. Gladys— 

Gladys. Now we will not discuss that question. But nothing can 
convince me that it is not a shameful invention. And then, to surren- 
der it all, with such an air — -to congratulate himself, too, — did you hear 
him.' And to allow no one a chance to reply — Emilia, he is behind 
that door. I must see him. 

Emilia. You are crazy. 

Gladys. And you have only to knock — 

Emilia. I .' 

Gladys. To please me. 

Emilia. Not for the crown jewels ! Gladys — 

Gladys. Emilia, did you ever know me to determine to do a thing, 
and not to do it.' 

Emilia. No. 

Gladys. Well, then when I tell you that I -will see him. 

Emilia. For goodness' sake, let me ring for Buttons. 



58 

Gladys. Buttons! That prying young imp! 

Emilia. James, then — 

Gladys, James! I dont wish to see James. 

Emilia. Well, you needn't expect me to go near that door. 

Gladys. Emilia — 

Emilia. And that I tell you plainly. For I would as soon walk into 
a lions' den. 

Gladys Then I will do it, myself. 

Emilia. You won't. 

Gladys. I will. 

Emilia. Now, Gladys — 

Gladys. Emilia, you may go, or stay, but knock at that door, I 
certainly will — 

Emilia. Oh! Gladys! 

Gladys. {Crossing to door l.) And that this minute. 

Emilia. Oh ! {Runs out door c.) 

Gladys. {Pausing suddenly^ But what will he think .'— And what 
can I say .'' If he were not so hatefully polite ! — And so abominably 
self-suiiicient! Oh! — Why did he come here.^ I was happy enough 
till I saw him. I hate him — and I'll tell him so. [Starts again toward 
door L. Pauses.) • But that is probably just what he wishes to hear. 
(Looks behink her — calls faintly.) Emilia ! She'll laugh at me now, if I 
dont. — I wish the room were two stories from the ground. I'd jump 
from the window. ( Walks rafidly tozvard -windotv r.) 

Cragin steps from between curtains of ivindow — in his hand a pistol, -which 
he points at Gladys. 

Cragin. I'll save you the trouble. Miss — if you open your mouth, 
or so much as wink an eye-lid. Sit down. 

Gladys. (Sinks into chair.) 

Cragin. That's it. Now be sensible. 

Gladys. (Faintly.) What do you want, sir.'' 

Cragin. Not you. I think I understood you that Mr. Wyncot is 
near by. 

Gladys. And what can you want with Mr. Wyncot.' 

Cragin. You're curious. But I dont mind telling you. I want to 
settle a score. 

Gladys. Oh, sir ! 

Cragin. (Shaking the pistol., ominously.) And here's the coin ready. 

Gladys. And do you think that I will permit — (Half -rising.) 

Cragin. And how do you hope to hinder me.'' By screamin.' — But 
he'll be the first to come. And if once he crosses that door-way — 

Gladys. (Sinking back.) Oh — ! 

Cragin. No — you've thought better of it. That's right. Only just 
you sit still. (Makes a movement to cross to door l.) 

Gladys. (Arresting him.) But why can you wish to harm him.'' 

Cragin. Oh ! Come now, Miss. 

Gladys. At least he permitted you to escape. 

Cragin. Sure enough ! He didn't trouble himself to haul me afore the 
beak. He left that to others. But just the same I'm marked, and I'jti 
followed- (Moves L.) 



Gladys. 
Money — 
Cragin. 
Gladys. 
Cragin. 



59 

Oh, not yet, sir — not yet! Will nothing tempt you: 



Money! Bah! 

My jewelry — you shall have it all. 

In few words, Miss, you talk against the wind. Wot's 
money, or wot's jewels to him that cant even get away with his precious 
bones.'' 

Gladys. But if you could get away? 

Cragin. Ah — if I could — 

Gladys. Oh, sir, I beg of you — I implore you to listen. A vessel 
sails to-night, from the Pool, for Havre. If you were once on board, 
who would think of searching for you there. And then perhaps, in 
some foreign land, you might yet lead a better and a happier life. Oh, 
if you will only hear me ! 

Cragin. Hold a bit. Miss. If I were aboard. But how am I to get 
aboard i 

Gladys. 

Cragin. 

Gladys. 

Cragin. 



But if I can find you a way ? 

Tell me the way, and I'll tell you what I think of it. 
You shall have an order. 
An order.' 

Gladys. Directing the Captain, to place you ashore at Havre, without 
I)rice, and without questions. 

Cragin. And who's to write the order.' Notlhe.' 
Gladys. {Firmly.) Yes — he. 
Cragin. You're a-gammonin' me. 

Gladys. I promise it; and if I fail, you shall kill me, instead 
Cragin. Look'ee, Miss. You love him. 
Gladys. {Drops her face.) 

Cragin. That's wot it means. But tastes xvill difter. Your bribe is 
worth considerin'. 



Gladys. 
Cragin. 
Gladys. 
Cragin. 
(Gladys. 
Cragin. 



And you accept it. 
I'm minded to let you try.' 
\Ferventlyf\ God will bless you. 
But providin' only — the order must be written here. 
Sir.' 

Here. You understand.' I haven't much faith. But at 
worst I'll have him in reach. Sit you down. \Crosscs\.^ 
Gladys. But you are not going — 

Cragin. I'm goin' to do your knockin' Miss; and do you be quiet. 
.Sit down. \Gladys sits. Cragiii knocks at door L.] 
VVyncot. \Witliin door -1^?^^ Come! 

Cragin. [In whisper to Gladys.} Steady! [He knocks again. \ 
Wyncot. [Within.} Who is there.' 

Cragin. [Retreating backward to windovj.} Steady, Miss. Quit-t 
and steady. And keep you out of range. [Steps behind curtains.} 
Wyncot. [Opening door L., steps out.} Miss Wyncot! 
Gladys. [Rises with gasp, sinks back again into chair?} 
Wyncot. It was you, then.' I am indeed glad to know it. You 
wish, perhaps, to speak with me.' 
Gladys. {Withe fort.) Y-yes. 



60 

Wyncot. [Siepping toward Iter.'] But you are agitated. 

Gladys, [/^isirto- quickly.) It is nothing. 

Wyncot. Pardon me, I— well you should know, of course. But if 
you will kindly explain. 

Gladys. [Aside.] Oh, how shall I ever tell hini.= 1 wished— 1 
wished, sir, to speak with you. — 

Wyncot. Yes. Well.=' 

Gladys. Of the convict. 

Wyncot. [Surprised.] The convict! 

Gladys. Oh, sir, do you not think it possible that he has already 
been sufficiently punished.? 

Wyncot. My dear, Miss Wyncot! 

Gladys. You must not be astonished. I have a good reason for all 
that I say. Oh trust me, sir, and answer. Or rather, do not answer — 
but do as I bid you. And ask me nothing. Be merciful. 

Wyncot. But pardon me. I am compelled to be astonished. That 
you should select such a subject for conversation! 

GrLADYS. [/juploriiiglv .] Mr. Wyncot. — 

Wyncot. And with me ! What can my opinion signify i 

Gladys. Sir, you do not know. 

Wyncot. I confess that I do not. Certainly the fellow is not sufler- 
ing through any persecution of mine. And why such interest upon your 
part.? 

Gladys. [Despairingly — glancing tozvard -u/indow.'] Oh ! 

Wyncot. True! I had forgotten. He has threatened my life. 
That may, indeed, have given him some claim.- — 

Gladys. {Breaks dotvn, sobbing, and buries her face in her hands.) 

Wyncot. Forgive me. That was the speech of a coward. I most 
humbly beg your pardon. And as an atonement, I will do whatever 
you ask. 

Gladys. {Quickly ^ You promise .' 

Wyncot. Either with or without an explanation. 

Gl.\dy's. Sit down, then, and write. Oh, make haste. You have 
promised. 

Wyncot. {Sits at table L. C.) I am ready. Dictate. 

Gladys. To, the Captain of the "Penelope." — Write. 

Wyncot. {Hesitates, casts down pen, rises.) 

Gladys. {Anxiously.) Well.? 

Wyncot. A better pen — from the desk. {Indicating small desh R, near 
wndoTV.) 

Gladys. (Interposing.) I'll fetch it. {Goes quickly to desk, gets pen, 
and returjis.) 

Wyncot. Mystery, thy name is woman. {Takes pen — sits) Thanks.? 
Continue. ( Writes.) To the Captain .? 

Gladys. Of the "Penelope." 

Wyncot. ( Writes.) Of the "Penelope." 

Gladys. You will receive the bearer. 

Wyncot. ( Writes.) You will receive the bearer. 

Gladys. As a fi-ee passenger to the port of Havre. 

Wyncot. ( Writes.) To the port of Havre. 



61 

Gladys.) And you will ask him no questions. 

Wyncot. {Fi7itsfting .) It is written. 

Gladys. But sign it. 

Wyncot. Excuse me. You forget. My signature is no longer of 
value; for it is you who are now — 

Gladys. Oh, sign it. For to-night, at least, to the outside world 
you are the master. 

Wyncot. {St'gntng.) It is signed. [Rises.) And now I may go. ^ 

Gladys. {Taking the order.) Y — yes. 

Wyncot. {Bitterly.) Thank you. I did hope, when I first learned 
that it was you wlio had rapped at my door. But, to be sure, I had no 
right to hope. Come, then. Since all our accounts are closed, we may 
shake hands.? {Offers hand., which Gladys mechanically aceepts.) That 
was a very feeble grasp. You can do no better. 

Gladys. (/» agonized ivhisfer.) Go! 

Wyncot. Good-by. {Turns, goes tovard door,'L. pauses, turns back.) 
But stay! 

Gladys. Oh, go! 

Wyncot. Not so fast. That paper reads "Receive the bearer." But 
how do you propose to get it into Cragin's hands.' 

Gladys. You must not ask. 
hiWYNCOT. I must — and I must have an answer. I'ou are aware of 
his whereabouts.'' 

Gladys. (/« terror.) Did you not promise.' 

Wyncot. But to leave such a suspicion undecided, no pledge could 
bind me. Touave in communication with him? You.' 

Gladys. Oh, go! go! go! 

Wyncot. {Advancing toivard r.) He is near, then.? He is within 
this house.' 

Gladys. {Retreating backward before him.) Oh, do not come near 
me. 

Wyncot. He is Avithin this room. {Still adancing.) 

Gladys. {Wringing her hands.) For your life's sake! 

Wyncot. Yes.' He is behind those curtains! {Springs toward 
window. ) 

Gladys. ( With shriek, throws herself before Wyncot, and clasps him 
about the neck.) 

Cragin. {Steps from bettveen the curtains. He throws up his hands, 
whiclt are empty.') 

Wyncot. As I supposed. 

Cragin. {Smiling, folds fiis arms.) Don't be alarmed, sir. Don't be 
alarmed, Miss. I am here. 

Wyncot. {Attempting to put Gladys to 07ie side.) Gladys. 

Gladys. {Resisting.) No, no! 

Cragin. And I came to kill you. 

Gladys. {Putting her hand on Wyncofs motith.) Don't speak. 

Cragin. I thought that nothing could buy your life from me. But 
like many another I've listened to the wheedling of a woman's tongue. 
And so, "if you please, I'll take my ticket-of-leave. {Stretching out his 
hand for tha order which Gladys holds.) 



62 

Wyncot. {Attempting to get possession of order.') Gladys — 

Gladys. He shall haVe it" 

Wyncgt. But, patience. {To Or agin.) You will take it, will you.'' 

Cragin. {Dra-iving back., in alarm.) Wot.? 

Wyncot. {With sudden movement., seizes the order and springs in 
front cf Gladys, -who screams and stands transfixed -with terror.) Come, 
get it. 

Cragin. {In half crouching attitude thrusts hts hand into the pocket of 
his coat., and half draws forth the pistol) 

Wyncot. And now will you tell me why you so confidently expect 
it.? 

Cragin. Wy.? 

Wyncot. You know that it was written under threat, as concerns 
this lady, and ifnder imposition, as concerns myself. It is therefore 
binding upon no one. 

Cragin. Have a care, sir. 

Wyncot. You came to kill me.? 

Cragin. I did. 

Wyncot. You have, then, a knife or a pistol.? Why do you not 
rely upon that.? 

Gladys. (Itnploringly.) For my sake! 

Cragin. Wy, sir.? 

Wyncot. Why .? 

Cragin. {Folding his arms again.) Because I have a surer weapon. 

Wyncot. You are bold. 

Cragin. And so, sir, are you. But bold though you are and proud 
though you are, and strong though you are, there's one here whose 
wishes are yet stronger than your will. And she, sir, says to you : Let 
the convict go. {Hmnbly dropping his head.) 

Wyncot. Gladys.? 

Gladys. Yes. 

Wyncot. {Extending the order to Cragin.) It is yours. 

Cragin. {Receiving it.) Thank'ee, sir. 

Wyncot. No thanks. You owe me nothing. And your time is 
precious. Have 30U money .? 

Cragin. Money, sir.? 

Wyncot. {Tossing him purse.) You will need it. Goodnight. 

Cragin. {Amazed, picks up purse.) Wot! You give me this.? 

Wyncot. My friend, we are liable at any moment to interruption. 

Cragin. But you'll allow me, sir. It isn't much you can expect 
from one of my sort, in the way of gratefulness — and least of all a ser- 
mon. But wot I have to offer if j'ou'll hear it, and give me credit. — 

Wyncot. Be brief. 

Cragin. Twenty years ago, this night, my sweet-lieart and T — we 
stood together on the bridge of Stamford. Our pride had come between 
us. We loved each other; but neither would be first to speak. And so 
for the lack of a word, we parted — I, to the hulks — she, to the Stamford 
church-yard. You draws your own moral. Good-night. [Exit through 
window. '\ 

Gladys sinks into chair L., front, and covers and averts her face. 



63 

Wyncot. [AVflr tvindoxv.] And what mora), Glad}'?, shall we draw? 
\Moves toTvard her.'] I beg jour forgiveness. I have no right to ad- 
dress you thus. But you have saved my life — and I cannot even thank 
you — for you have shown me at the same moment, the worthlessness of 
what you have preserved. Why is it, that in this world of disappoint- 
ments, we may not be permitted to remain in- ignorance of the value of 
the treasures which are lost to us.? — I know that I trespass upon your 
kindness. What you have done for me, you would have done perhaps 
for another. And even were it otherwise, I thank you for reminding 
me — if only by your silence — of the barrier that now' exists between us. 
That barrier I shall not think to cross. {With bt'ftertiess.] Let me say 
farewell, then, since the only other word that it is in my heart to utter, 
I may not speak. 

Gladys. l^Rt'st'n^:'] And why, if it be honorable, may vou not speak 
it .? 

Wyncot. Gladys — 

Gladys. Is it because of this.' — [7'aktii^- uf %vill, from table.'] This 
wretched screed, which gives me what I do not desire.?— Which brings 
me only responsibility and care .' Is it this that forbids you .? 

Wyncot. Can I believe.? — 

Gladys. [Casting the will on the fire., in the grate) Speak it, now. 

Wyncot. \Sfringing jorixiard as though to -prevent destruction of the 
%vill^ Gladys — 

Gladys. [Holding him at distance., till the -will shrivels in the fiame.l 
Speak it. 

Wyncot. — [Folding her in his arms.] My own ! 

Buttons thrusts in his head., door c. 

Wyncot. \To Buttons — releasing Gladys.] What! You young Jack- 
in-the-box! ' 
Buttons. Mr. Jekyll — 
Wyncot. Ah! 

Buttons. To speak with Miss Gladys. 
Wyncot. Get out. 

Exit., Buttons. 

Wyncot. \To Gladys:] Well— will you tell them .? Or shall I.? 
Gladys. If you think they should know — 

Wyncot. I'll tell them. [Goes uf stage., r. and stands partially hidden 
from door c, by screen^] 

Enter., door c, Jekyll., Job., and Richard., followed shortly by Emilia. The 
latter pauses for a moment in doorway. 

Jekyll. Well, Mr. Job, sir — well sir! Well, Miss Wyncot! 

Gladys. Mr. Jekyll. 

Jekyll. We 'ave examined the summary, and we find it in the main, 
correct. 

Gladys. Oh — thanks ! 

Jekyll. But there's one little point, which we wish to bring to your 
notice. The works 'ave been stopped for the matter of 'alf a day ; and 



64 

it's our opinion that the party who caused the stoppage, should Hkewise 
be the party to foot the bill of loss. 

(jrLADYs. Meaning Mr. Wjncot.' 

Jekyll. Hexactly ! 

Gladys. But to whom shall he pay it.? 

Jekyll. Hexcuse me — 

Gladys. Certainly not to me. Since I have just destroyed my only 
evidence of title — 

Wyncot. \Stepping for-vard into Z't'e-w.] Thereby accepting me as 
guardian for life. 

Emilia, [l. near Gladys.] Gladvs — can it he? 

Job. Mr. Jekyll ! 

Jekyll. Mr. Job, sir! Hextinguished ! 

Job. Hextinct! 

JocELYN. (Warmly — shalHng Wyncofs hand.) Mr. Wyncot, I wish 
you joy. 

Wyncot. Mr. Jocelyn, I return the wish, with interest. And now, 
Mr. Jekyll, I can see but one mode of escape, from this entanglement. 
In regard to that note of hand — if Mr. Jocelyn will guarantee its pay- 
ment — 

Jekyll. Jocelyn, sir! 

Wyncot. Precisely. And I suggest that, as further security, you 
take him into the family. He has long, I am assured, loved your 
charming daughter, who reciprocates his affection — 

Richard. Emilia! 

Emilia. Richard. [ They approach each other ^ 

Wyncot. And I take pleasure in recommending him as a most desir- 
able son-in-law. 

Jekyll. Jocelyn ! Jocelyn ! 

Richard and Emilia ktieel before jekyll. 

Emilia. Papa ! 

Jekyll. Well, sir! Well, sir! Well, sir! 

Wyncot. [Aside^ T-wo hundred pounds — did you say, Mr. Jekyll } 
Jekyll. \To Richard and Emilia?[ Bless you, my children ! 
Wyncot. Be happy ! And so we may regard it as arranged. The 
books having been happily balanced, the diffei-ences adjusted, and — Ah — 

E7tter, door c, Mrs. Pringle and Bidtons. 

But permit me, Mrs. Pringle ! 

Mrs. p. Which I 'opes, sir, that my 'ead is not turned. 

Wyncot. My dear Mrs. Pringle, permit me. 

Mrs. p. Though I 'ave my fears, I confess — being knocked of a 'eap, 
by such carryings and goings-on. But to speak of my son, sir — 

Wyncot. Mrs. Pringle — 

Mrs. P. A growin' boy — and my only 'ope and stay — which to have 
him torn from my arms — and leastwise to Hindia — 

Wyncot. Will you hear me ? 

Mrs. P. Which of all the lands, as I must say — Where they stand, 
sir, as I am told, with their 'eads down— 



Lot 69 



• 65 

Wyhcot. [Beckoning to yekvUll Mr. Jekyll — 

Mrs. p. Bein' quite reversed — 

Jekyll. [Facing tier. ^ Hallow me! Woman, fix your heye upon me. 
No one is alluding to Hindia .' No one would deprive you of Young 
'Opeful. No one is going away. 

Mrs. p. No .? 

Jekyll. No, ma'am ! Hon the contrary — the demand is not for 
'andkerchiefs, but horange blossoms. 

Mrs. p. Lor' sir! 

J,EKYLL. [To tkeothers.'\ Do I correctly hexpress myself.^ 

Richard, [l.] Emilia. [Puts //is arm about tier.] 

Wyncot. [l. c] Gladys! [Lifts her hand to his Ups^^ 

Jekyll. [r. c] Mr. Job! [Embracing him.'\ 

Mrs. P. [r.] Buttons! , 

Buttons. Mama! [They embrace.^ 

PICTURE — curtain . 



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